EPISODE · Mar 4, 2026 · 1H 2M
How a Journalist from West Philly became a Boeing 737 Captain | Carole Hopson’s Incredible Story
from Prepare For Takeoff · host Terry L. Cyrus
Join Terry L. Cyrus for an inspiring conversation with Carole Hopson, a Boeing 737 Captain with United Airlines, author and nonprofit founder. She shares her journey from West Philadelphia to the cockpit of a major airline. Before aviation, she built a career as a journalist with the Philadelphia Tribune, Philadelphia Inquirer and The Bergen Record. She later held roles with the NFL and Foot Locker before following her passion for flight and becoming a Certified Flight Instructor and airline captain.Captain Hopson discusses her historical novel A Pair of Wings, which tells the inspiring story of aviation pioneer Bessie Coleman, who traveled to Europe to earn her pilot’s license after being denied flight training in the United States because she was a Black woman. She also highlights the work of her nonprofit, the Jet Black Foundation, which is helping create pathways for future aviators, including initiatives connected with Tuskegee University.A powerful story of perseverance, purpose and chasing your dreams. Now it’s time to Prepare For Takeoff. ✈️Chapters00:00 - Growing Up in West Philadelphia01:49 - Early Career Aspirations and Journalism05:17 - Transitioning from Journalism to the NFL08:24 - Corporate Leadership and Training Initiatives11:59 - The Journey to Aviation and Curiosity12:42 - Manifesting Dreams and Taking Flight18:20 - The Journey to Aviation: Overcoming Barriers24:04 - Flight School: The Path to Becoming a Pilot27:07 - Navigating Challenges: The Reality of Aviation Careers31:46 - Balancing Motherhood and Career34:45 - A Pair of Wings: The Story of Bessie Coleman40:28 - Crafting Bessie's Story42:24 - The Journey of Resilience43:53 - Pursuing Passion Over Fear45:06 - Health, Weight, and Personal Growth47:14 - The Impact of Motherhood49:07 - The Power of Humility and Hard Work52:45 - Empowering Future Aviators54:46 - Bessie Coleman: A Legacy of Excellence57:49 - The Importance of Representation01:00:31 - The Journey of Growth and Process01:02:19 - Prepare For Takeoff ClosingThe future of business is yours to shape. Sign up for a free Shopify trial by clicking our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link https://shopify.pxf.io/55LGnj.Start recording like a pro with Riverside, click our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link https://riverside.sjv.io/jeVZYP to get started.
What this episode covers
Join Terry L. Cyrus for an inspiring conversation with Carole Hopson, a Boeing 737 Captain with United Airlines, author and nonprofit founder. She shares her journey from West Philadelphia to the cockpit of a major airline. Before aviation, she built a career as a journalist with the Philadelphia Tribune, Philadelphia Inquirer and The Bergen Record. She later held roles with the NFL and Foot Locker before following her passion for flight and becoming a Certified Flight Instructor and airline captain.Captain Hopson discusses her historical novel A Pair of Wings, which tells the inspiring story of aviation pioneer Bessie Coleman, who traveled to Europe to earn her pilot’s license after being denied flight training in the United States because she was a Black woman. She also highlights the work of her nonprofit, the Jet Black Foundation, which is helping create pathways for future aviators, including initiatives connected with Tuskegee University.A powerful story of perseverance, purpose and chasing your dreams. Now it’s time to Prepare For Takeoff. ✈️Chapters00:00 - Growing Up in West Philadelphia01:49 - Early Career Aspirations and Journalism05:17 - Transitioning from Journalism to the NFL08:24 - Corporate Leadership and Training Initiatives11:59 - The Journey to Aviation and Curiosity12:42 - Manifesting Dreams and Taking Flight18:20 - The Journey to Aviation: Overcoming Barriers24:04 - Flight School: The Path to Becoming a Pilot27:07 - Navigating Challenges: The Reality of Aviation Careers31:46 - Balancing Motherhood and Career34:45 - A Pair of Wings: The Story of Bessie Coleman40:28 - Crafting Bessie's Story42:24 - The Journey of Resilience43:53 - Pursuing Passion Over Fear45:06 - Health, Weight, and Personal Growth47:14 - The Impact of Motherhood49:07 - The Power of Humility and Hard Work52:45 - Empowering Future Aviators54:46 - Bessie Coleman: A Legacy of Excellence57:49 - The Importance of Representation01:00:31 - The Journey of Growth and Process01:02:19 - Prepare For Takeoff ClosingThe future of business is yours to shape. Sign up for a free Shopify trial by clicking our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link https://shopify.pxf.io/55LGnj.Start recording like a pro with Riverside, click our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link https://riverside.sjv.io/jeVZYP to get started.
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How a Journalist from West Philly became a Boeing 737 Captain | Carole Hopson’s Incredible Story
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