As part of Season III, we are revisiting some of our favorite episodes that grapple with big life themes, break down the components of change, and dive into strategies that are relevant and applicable to you today. Today's episode features Nathania Stambouli, Founder of Yogi Flight School and a devotee of transformation. Nathania is in the business of changing lives as a yoga instructor, retreat leader, and small business coach. In this episode, Sylvia and Nathania debunk misconceptions...

In this short solo episode, Sylvia connects with listeners on the topic of perceived limitations. With a little investigation, we often find these limitations are nothing more than a figment of our imagination. But how can we see this for ourselves? What role does yoga practice play? Why do we need to overcome mental blocks?  This episode 077 is a partial revisit to Episode 061 The Imaginary Tether that Holds Us Back. Stay Connected: Signup for AIR BORN, our monthly newsletter! A letter...

Dawn Cook was introduced to the world of flight by her mother, a flight attendant. Dawn loved flying and wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps. But, when Dawn told her mother she wanted to become a flight attendant, her response was, “No. Be a pilot.” And that's just what Dawn did. Dawn's path to becoming a pilot was not easy. As a double minority starting her career in the era of 9/11, Dawn had to battle the odds and fight for what she believed in every step of the way.   Dawn knew...

In this companion episode, Sylvia and Tenille Hoogland discuss training essentials for female athletes. They discuss how unrealistic expectations of female bodies hurt our health and performance, and what we can do to train smarter. Topics Include: - Misconceptions around women's health - Peri menopause and beyond - Avoiding injuries as an athlete - Body image stereotypes of female athletes - Unique training challenges women face - Tapping into cycles to improve performance - Proper...

Tenille Hoogland has always been an athlete. Her journey started as a young girl with dreams of being a synchronized swimmer in the Olympics. After years of intense training, Tenille hit bottom and left the world of competitive swimming altogether. Despite early setbacks, the drive to compete stayed alive for Tenille. She would later lead Age Group Team Canada to International Triathlon Union World Championship events and become a professional triathlete, earning titles in short-distance and...

As part of our Season III relaunch this month, we are revisiting a few of our favorite episodes that grapple with big life themes, break down the components of change, and dive into strategies that are relevant and applicable to you today. When Michelle Snow was young, there was no professional basketball league for women in the United States. Despite no clear path to success, and despite her doubters, Michelle dreamed that she would one day realize her dream of making a career as a...

How do you show up in an uncertain world? Show up for yourself. This episode about preparation, presence, and presentation.  As our lives are unpredictable, we see over and over how showing up moves us closer to our dreams and breaks the girdle of paralysis. This week, Sylvia talks to Vanessa Blakeley, a certified pilot by 17 and one who was enthralled by flying from an early age. However, during her junior year of college, a family tragedy changed the trajectory of her life and career, and...

In this companion episode, we explore the topic of growth – specifically, the growth mindset. Growth can be scary, and yet, it is so necessary for us to achieve our dreams! The growth mindset concept seems to be everywhere these days, from the boardroom to the classroom and beyond. In this episode, we discuss how cultivating a growth mindset allows us to embrace difficulties and challenges, and how our brains learn through effort and persistence. We also dig into "15 Ways to Become a...

As part of our Season III relaunch this week, we are revisiting a few of our favorite episodes that grapple with big life themes, break down the components of change, and dive into strategies that are relevant and applicable to you today. This is the story of an athletic prodigy. It’s also the story of how setbacks become catalysts for change, how determination fuels a dream, and how a drive for adventure can evolve. And it is a story of risk-taking, mountain life,  and personal reflection...

Merryl Tengesdal is one of aviation's most fascinating women. With accomplished careers in both the Navy and the Air Force, Merryl’s perhaps most notable achievement is being the only African American woman to fly the United States Air Force's U-2 aircraft, a spy plane used for specialized high-altitude reconnaissance missions. Flying the U-2 requires grit, confidence, and extreme focus, all qualities that have earned Merryl the privilege of sharing the spy plane’s nickname, The Dragon...

In this companion episode, we explore the life of Bessie Coleman – the first black woman in the world to earn a pilot's license. Bessie's story is one of grit and determination. Being barred from flight school in the US because of her race and gender, Bessie made her way to France to learn to fly. During her training, she witnessed a fellow student crash and lose their life, but even this would not deter her. Listen in to learn about the life of Bessie Coleman, and be sure to check out our...

As part of our Season III relaunch this week, we are revisiting a few of our favorite episodes that grapple with big life themes, break down the components of change, and dive into strategies that are relevant and applicable to you today. In this episode, Sylvia is joined by Linda Lindquist-Bishop a World Champion Sailor.  She is a tireless competitor, thinker, strategist, and advocate for women in sport. This conversation is real talk about courage, positioning women of today to break...

Michelle “Mace” Curran is known for her impressive thirteen-year career as a fighter pilot flying F-16s. She went on to serve three years as the only female pilot for Air Force's elite demonstration squadron, the Thunderbirds, where she was only the second woman to fly as the Lead Solo in the Thunderbird demonstration since the team’s creation in 1953. It may seem like Michelle always was self-assured and confident, but throughout her journey, Michelle faced feelings of self-doubt, imposter...

As a child, Carole Hopson spent hours lying on the grass in her grandparents’ backyard watching the planes arrive at Philadelphia International Airport. However, it took decades for Carole to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot. Today, Carole flies a Boeing 737 for United Airlines as a First Officer. Black women make up less than one percent of all certified pilots, and Carole is one of them.  Carole’s story is one of inspiration, bravery, chasing dreams, and taking risks. Before becoming a...

Every woman harbors the spirit of flight. We talk about it, one story at a time. Our guests include superstar athletes, world champions, aviators, and women who chart their own courses. Join us each week and connect with women who dare to pursue their dreams and fly. Welcome to our third season of When Women Fly! Stay Connected Signup for AIR BORN, our monthly newsletter! A letter from Sylvia will show up in your inbox, with links to her latest conversations and insights. Be bold, be brave,...

In 2011, award-winning executive creative director Libby DeLana challenged herself to walk every day for 30 days. It has now been ten years since Libby took on this challenge, and she hasn't missed a day! Libby has walked 25,000+ miles, which equates to walking around the circumference of the earth and then some. These daily walks have transformed Libby’s life. She has been able to slow down and reconnect with herself and the world around her. She has discovered how walking allows her to...

In this end-of-the-year bonus episode, Sylvia shares why she took her first break in publishing new episodes this December. She discusses what listeners can expect in 2022, the difficulty of balancing child-rearing with aging parents, and more. Want to connect? Visit us online and signup for the monthly WWF newsletter! Website – https://www.whenwomenfly.com/ Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest – @whenwomenfly Email – [email protected]

In this short solo episode, host Sylvia Winter connects with listeners on the topic of perceived limitations. With a little investigation, we often find these limitations are nothing more than a figment of our imagination. But how can we see this for ourselves? Sylvia also discusses the healing power of Yoga and invites you to join her and Nathania Stambouli for a FREE five-day Yoga workshop. The workshop will run December 27th-31st. Grab the details by clicking the link below. Resources...

In today’s short episode, Sylvia discusses balancing productivity and wellness. She discusses the story of the golden goose, pacing yourself on life’s journey, and the transformative power of story. Stay tuned for our lineup of new guest episodes, coming soon! In the meantime, take a moment to revisit your old favorites and to catch up on missed episodes. Enjoy the holiday season, and don’t forget to make time for yourself. Previous Episodes Mentioned: 004 Eliza Kerr:...

Where is your growth edge? What action can you take today to push yourself outside of your comfort zone? Sylvia takes questions from When Women Fly listeners in this first installment of the Ask Me Anything series. She explores finding your growth edge, stepping outside our comfort zone, and how committing to a practice that challenges us can push us towards growth. Topics Include: Insights gleaned from Sylvia’s conversation with Nathania StambouliHow Sylvia finds guests for the...

Shaesta Waiz is an American pilot, the first female certified civilian pilot born in Afghanistan and the youngest woman to fly solo around the world in a single-engine aircraft. This is a fascinating and unfolding story about rising from adversity and discovering what is possible.  Flying is closely linked to freedom and opportunity. If you could circumnavigate the globe in an aircraft with one message, what would it be? Shaesta has a  burning desire to help others like her – underserved as...

This is the story of an athletic prodigy. It’s also the story of how setbacks become catalysts for change, how determination fuels a dream, and how a drive for adventure can evolve. And it is a story of risk-taking, mountain life,  and personal reflection that characterize what it takes to ski and fly in the backcountry.  For pro-skier Caite Zeliff, the derailing of her career as a ski racer was an opportunity to reconnect with herself and become the athlete she was always meant to be.  At...

A heartfelt and honest conversation with Ashleigh Thompson -  a Red Lake Ojibwe tribal member, avid trail runner, rock climber, snowboarder, scholar and archaeologist  - about aligning values and advocating. Ashleigh shares her stories about the problematic myths of the land and Indigenous people, intergenerational trauma, and systemic mindsets connected with the term “public land”. We dive into how the current discourse on land can directly work against creating inclusive and respectful...

What happens when you have two very big but different dreams vying for your focus? Do you choose one? Or do you risk pursuing both and in doing so commit to a bigger conversation? This was the dilemma faced by today’s guest—a woman who knows a thing or two about what it takes to face the odds, execute physical comebacks and establish herself as a legend in the world of snowboarding. Meet Kimmy Fasani — Snowboarder. Voice for female athletes. Mother. Mountain Baker. Author. Director of...

Mandy Hoffman seems to do it all. Balancing being a flight attendant, business owner, and mother of two children may seem like an impossible task. Her secret? Put your oxygen mask on first! In this episode, Sylvia and Mandy discuss finding the courage to stand up for what you believe in and pursue your dreams. They discuss the complicated balance of wellness, how Mandy’s online fitness program Strong Flight is helping people meet their fitness goals, body positivity and body shaming, why...