Welcome to the Flying Midwest Podcast! Connecting aviators from across America's Heartland.
Join your hosts Jim, Madi, and Badger Pilot (Andrew) right here every month. We will share the latest and greatest in Midwest aviation news, events, hangar talk, and aviation history.
Welcome aboard!
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Episode 108 - By Gosh, It's OSH '26: With EAA's Dick Knapinski
Episode 108
Sunday, July 19, 2026 • Duration 01:11:38
Episode 108: By Gosh, It's OSH 2026
AirVenture is almost here, and that means it's time for our annual pre-Oshkosh tradition!
We're joined once again by EAA Director of Communications Dick Knapinski to get you ready for the world's greatest aviation celebration. Dick looks back at the incredible success of AirVenture 2025, including another year of record-breaking attendance, and shares what attendees can expect when they arrive in Oshkosh for AirVenture 2026.
From featured aircraft and special events to tips for making the most of your week on the grounds, this conversation is packed with valuable information for first-time visitors and seasoned AirVenture veterans alike.
If you're heading to Oshkosh this year—or just following along from home—this is your essential AirVenture preview.
Fly safe, and we'll see you at Oshkosh!
Smoke Over OSH | A Flying Midwest QuickCast
Friday, July 17, 2026 • Duration 05:34
In this Quickcast, Badger breaks down the impact of all this smoke hanging over the upper midwest. With just days before the start of EAA's Airventure, current air quality is incredibly poor, and visibility is at or near minimums in the region.
Don't forget to come say hello at our Meet and Greet
Monday, July 20th from 1:00PM to 2:00PM
EAA Blue Barn
AirVenture Webcams Are LIVE and Your Productivity Is Done
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 • Duration 05:46
The Airventure Webcams are LIVE!
We know the show is getting close when they turn on the cams and your productivity at work grinds to a halt!
Don't forget to come say hello at our Meet and Greet
Monday, July 20th from 1:00PM to 2:00PM
EAA Blue Barn
Still here, still flying | A Flying Midwest QuickCast
Saturday, July 11, 2026 • Duration 09:31
The Flying Midwest podcast returns. Catch up with Jim as he addresses the hiatus and shares updates on the future of the show.
Episode 107 - Warbird Wizard: With Dan Wotring
Episode 107
Thursday, May 7, 2026 • Duration 01:09:15
As we begin to wind down our special run of Oshkosh episodes, this week’s Flying Midwest Podcast features a conversation you won’t want to miss with warbird aficionado Dan Wotring. With a deep passion for historic aircraft and years of hands-on experience, Dan takes us through his personal flying journey and how he found his way into the unique and tightly knit world of warbirds. From the stories behind these legendary machines to what it takes to keep them flying today, this episode offers an inside look at a side of aviation that blends history, skill, and pure passion. Whether you're a seasoned pilot or simply fascinated by vintage aircraft, Dan’s perspective brings the warbird community to life in a way that’s both insightful and inspiring.
Don’t miss an episode—subscribe to the Flying Midwest Podcast on your favorite platform and follow us on social media for the latest aviation news and podcast updates.
Episode 106 - Mist Approach: The Finest Regional Aviation Podcast
Episode 105
Wednesday, April 1, 2026 • Duration 48:46
It’s that time of year again! The Flying Midwest Podcast proudly presents our annual April Fools’ episode, packed with satirical aviation news, absurd events, and plenty of laughs. We love bringing you these stories every year as a way to kick back, let loose, and celebrate the lighter side of aviation.
We also want to take a moment to offer a HUGE thank you to our friend Ted from the Midlife Pilot Podcast for his help with our intro. Man, did he deliver and this may have been one of our favorite fun bits yet! THANKS TED!!!
And another special shoutout to Bryan Turner of Just Plane Silly—while he couldn’t join us this year, he’s been a huge part of our April Fools’ antics in the past, and we truly appreciate his support on our aviation content journey.
🎧 Buckle up for an episode full of fun, aviation nonsense, and maybe even some unexpected wisdom. Happy April Fools’ Day from The Flying Midwest Podcast!
Don’t miss an episode—subscribe to the Flying Midwest Podcast on your favorite platform and follow us on social media for the latest aviation news and podcast updates.
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Episode 105 - CFI Checkride Debrief: The Student Becomes the Teacher
Monday, March 2, 2026 • Duration 01:01:50
After a short hiatus, Flying Midwest is back — and for good reason.
In this episode, Jim sits down for a full, honest debrief of his CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) checkride. What was covered? What surprised him? What was harder than expected? And how did he actually perform when it mattered most?
We break down:
The oral exam structure and depth
FOI (Fundamentals of Instruction) preparation
Lesson plan opinions
Teaching demonstrations and scenario-based questioning
The flight portion of the CFI checkride
If you're preparing for your CFI checkride — or even thinking about becoming a flight instructor — this episode gives you a realistic, behind-the-scenes look at what to expect.
Whether you're working toward your CFI, mentoring other pilots, or just love hearing real-world aviation stories, this debrief is packed with practical insight.
Episode 104 - What it Takes to Fly The Blimp: with Goodyear Chief Pilot Jerry Hissem
Episode 104
Monday, January 19, 2026 • Duration 50:29
For more than a century, the Goodyear Blimp has been one of the most recognizable aircraft in the world—quietly floating over sporting events, cities, and historic moments in aviation history. But what’s it really like to fly an airship?
In this episode, we sit down with Jerry Hissem, Chief Pilot for the Goodyear Blimp, for a deep dive into the world of modern airships as Goodyear celebrates 100 years of blimp operations. Jerry shares what makes flying a blimp unlike any other form of aviation, how today’s airships differ from the classics of the past, and what it actually takes to earn your Goodyear Blimp pilot wings.
We explore:
The history of the Goodyear Blimp and how it evolved over the last 100 years
What it’s really like to fly an airship—from handling and performance to day-to-day operations
The unique training and experience required to become a Goodyear Blimp pilot
How modern Goodyear airships blend heritage with advanced technology
Why blimps continue to play a unique role in aviation today
Whether you’re an aviation history fan, a pilot curious about unconventional aircraft, or just fascinated by one of aviation’s most iconic symbols, this episode offers rare insight from someone who flies the blimp for a living.
Get Your Cold Weather Merch Today!
Winter is coming, and so is our brand-new merch lineup! Stay warm and rep your love for aviation with cozy long sleeve tees, hoodies, and beanies. Gear up now and head into the season in style!
Episode 103 - Savings Live Through Flight with Wings of Hope
Episode 103
Monday, January 5, 2026 • Duration 55:36
In this inspiring live interview from EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, we sit down with two amazing guests from Wings of Hope, the Missouri-based humanitarian aviation nonprofit that’s been changing and saving lives through the power of flight since 1963.
Join us as we explore how Wings of Hope uses general aviation to make a powerful impact — from providing free medical air transportation for patients who need specialized care, to connecting remote communities with vital resources both in the U.S. and around the world.
We dig into:
✈️ Who Wings of Hope is — a global humanitarian aviation nonprofit headquartered at Spirit of St. Louis Airport in Chesterfield, Missouri with a mission to change and save lives through aviation.
🚑 Medical Relief & Air Transport (MAT) — how they fly patients and caregivers free of charge across states to access specialty medical care — often removing financial and logistical barriers that can be life-changing.
🌍 Global impact — the organization’s partnerships with community groups in multiple countries to aid health care delivery and humanitarian support.
👩🔧 SOAR into STEM — their hands-on education program designed to inspire and equip the next generation of aviators, engineers, and STEM leaders.
Whether you’re passionate about aviation, nonprofit impact, or the intersection of flight and community service, this conversation highlights how general aviation can literally lift people up — physically and emotionally.
Get Your Cold Weather Merch Today!
Winter is coming, and so is our brand-new merch lineup! Stay warm and rep your love for aviation with cozy long sleeve tees, hoodies, and beanies. Gear up now and head into the season in style!
Episode 102 - The Holiday ATIS: INFORMATION SANTA
Episode 102
Wednesday, December 24, 2025 • Duration 44:29
Information SANTA is current.
In this holiday edition of the Flying Midwest Podcast, we tune into The Holiday ATIS — where festive NOTAMs, Midwest aviation trivia, and New Year aviation goals all share the same frequency.
We talk about the lighter side of aviation during the holidays, including the real ForeFlight holiday Easter eggs pilots have spotted over the years, a Midwest-themed aviation trivia challenge, and how pilots can actually stick to their aviation resolutions instead of abandoning them by February.
From Santa’s sleigh wake turbulence to setting realistic flying goals for 2026, this episode blends pilot humor with practical advice — because aviation should be fun, but never careless.
Stick around for our Midwest Holiday Trivia, and submit your answers for a chance to win the new “Tear Drop Entries Make Airports Cry” Flying Midwest Podcast shirt.
Whether you’re scrolling ForeFlight by the fireplace, listening on a road trip, or planning your next rating, this episode is your seasonal briefing before the new year.
ForeFlight holiday Easter eggs pilots have reported seeing in decoded weather displays
Why these festive messages are not FAA NOTAMs — and where they actually appear
Santa’s sleigh, wake turbulence jokes, and classic pilot holiday humor
Midwest-themed aviation trivia questions featured in this episode
Submit your answers for a chance to win the “Tear Drop Entries Make Airports Cry” FMP shirt
How and where to submit your responses (covered in the episode)
Why “fly more” isn’t a real goal — and how to do better
Breaking aviation goals into achievable, measurable steps
Engage with Us:Connect with us on social media or drop us an email at FlyingMidwestPodcast@gmail.com.
Subscribe and Follow:
Don’t miss an episode—subscribe to the Flying Midwest Podcast on your favorite platform and follow us on social media for the latest aviation news and podcast updates.
Don’t miss an episode—subscribe to the Flying Midwest Podcast on your favorite platform and follow us on social media for the latest aviation news and podcast updates.
Don’t miss an episode—subscribe to the Flying Midwest Podcast on your favorite platform and follow us on social media for the latest aviation news and podcast updates.
Engage with Us:Connect with us on social media or drop us an email at FlyingMidwestPodcast@gmail.com.
Get Your Cold Weather Merch Today!
Winter is coming, and so is our brand-new merch lineup! Stay warm and rep your love for aviation with cozy long sleeve tees, hoodies, and beanies. Gear up now and head into the season in style!
Don’t miss an episode—subscribe to the Flying Midwest Podcast on your favorite platform and follow us on social media for the latest aviation news and podcast updates.
