The Leaders of Aviation – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Technical and general information from the podcast's RSS feed.

The Leaders of Aviation

Jeff Lively

Leisure

Frequency: 1 episode/8d. Total Eps: 19

The aviation industry is responsible for so much, from bridging countries, continents, and cultures, to making international trade possible. We all know the big names in aviation, from Boeing to Duncan, but what about all the mom-and-pop aviation businesses? The Leaders of Aviation podcast is here to give a voice to those very people. Interviewing aviation small business owners and other aviation personnel, we’ll hear their stories and get a glimpse into their world. Through these stories of triumphs as well as setbacks, we hope to inspire the current and next generation.

Read moreCollapse

Site

RSS

Apple

Recent rankings

Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.

Apple Podcasts

🇺🇸 USA - aviation
25/08/2026
#99
🇺🇸 USA - aviation
24/08/2026
#95
🇺🇸 USA - aviation
23/08/2026
#77
🇺🇸 USA - aviation
14/08/2026
#98
🇺🇸 USA - aviation
13/08/2026
#73
🇬🇧 Great Britain - aviation
21/05/2025
#93
🇬🇧 Great Britain - aviation
13/05/2025
#95
🇬🇧 Great Britain - aviation
12/05/2025
#82
🇨🇦 Canada - aviation
25/03/2025
#99
🇨🇦 Canada - aviation
24/03/2025
#95

Spotify

No recent rankings available

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.

See all

No links shared by this podcast

RSS feed quality and score

Technical evaluation of the podcast's RSS feed quality and structure.

See all

RSS feed quality

To improve

Score global : 63%

Publication history

Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.

Year

Latest published episodes

Recent episodes with titles, durations, and descriptions.

See all

Ep 21: Atom Miller - CEO of 69 Cards Co, Coach and Mentor, Web Developer

Season 1 · Episode 21

Tuesday, May 31, 2022 • Duration 52:35

If anyone is equipped to be a coach and mentor, it’s Atom Miller. He’s had a number of curveballs in life that forced him to pivot and dig deep. Over a course of 5 years Atom went through a divorce, lost his brother, and lost his ex-wife. During this time Atom was a chef, opening his own restaurant, and competing for another. He did marketing and design on the side, but on a very small scale. In 2013, Atom’s son was shot 12 times and would spend years in the hospital. This forced Atom to stop everything he was doing and start his own business out of necessity. For the next 4 years, Atom would struggle with his faith, grow his faith, and learn a lot about himself. Atom would go from wanting to take his own life in 2013 to starting a legitimate business in 2017. He had to take his mentality from ‘if it’s gonna be, it’s up to me’, to giving his troubles to the Lord. Atom took small, deliberate steps and rose above his circumstances. It’s why he’s able to talk to others about mental toughness and clarity. Now he enjoys helping others through his program, Your Kingdom Coach. What You’ll Learn: The story behind the name 69 Card Co. -& it’s not what you think! Why Atom’s son was shot 12 times and how he survived. Who paid the $1.6million hospital bill and why. The key to winning in Google organically. Favorite Quote: “It was out of necessity, my business journey and how it began.” -Atom Miller

Read moreCollapse

Ep: 20 Mike Howard; Founder and CEO of JetSetter

Season 1 · Episode 20

Wednesday, May 18, 2022 • Duration 37:25

Mike Howard has been in sales since 6th grade; being an entrepreneur was in his blood. In his adult years he helped to grow other people’s companies before he decided to grow his own. Mike was inspired to start a cleaning company to be able to hire friends and family and pay them a decent wage. He says he’s always been passionate about creating opportunities for others. Down the road, Mike was introduced to the world of chartering private jets. Just like his other jobs, Mike got into this industry because of who he knows. Making connections is key to growing as an entrepreneur. Mike knew nothing about aviation before this opportunity, but he knew people that did, and that was enough. Now his business, JetSetter, is thriving. What You’ll Learn: How Mike started his entrepreneurial journey in 6th grade. How Mike got into the jet chartering business. Why accounting for your company is so important. Why Mike has no desire to become a pilot. Favorite Quote: “It’s always been a passion of mine to create opportunities for other people.” -Mike Howard

Read moreCollapse

Ep 9: Eric Dragonetti: The CAVU Pilot Flight School; Former Airline Pilot; Current Corporate Pilot

Season 1 · Episode 9

Wednesday, March 2, 2022 • Duration 39:14

Growing up, Eric Dragonetti admired planes and saw himself becoming an aerospace engineer, designing jet engines. It wasn’t until he was touring colleges that he thought he might actually want to be a pilot instead. After 4 years at University of North Dakota, Eric graduated as a certified flight instructor. From there, he built his hours towards becoming an airline pilot. Eric loved flying commercial, until Covid came and shook things up. While furloughed, Eric decided to do enough private lessons to pay the mortgage and eat Top Ramen. When he did return to his commercial role, he realized the aviation market just wasn’t the same and no longer worked for him. The decision was clear, it was time to start his own flight school. What You’ll Learn: What a discovery flight is and how to arrange one. How a chance meeting led Eric to attend University of North Dakota. The two biggest struggles Eric had when it came to starting a business. How top of the line avionics change the experience. Favorite Quote: “When you have a dream, you wanna go for it, you work for it.”

Read moreCollapse

Ep 8: Luke Layman: Former A-10 Pilot, Previous Delta Airline Pilot and now Entrepreneur & Investor

Season 1 · Episode 8

Wednesday, February 23, 2022 • Duration 45:26

Luke Layman has an incredible resume that includes piloting A-10’s, and then a commercial airline, before becoming an entrepreneur and investor. For as long as Luke can remember, he knew two things: He wanted to fly jets, and he had an entrepreneurial spirit. Taking his first solo flight at 16, Luke utilized ROTC to begin his pilot career. From the T-6 to T-38, and finally the A-10, Luke spent 10 years as an active duty Air Force pilot before transitioning to the Reserves and joining Delta Air Lines. Just 3 or 4 years in, Luke found he was losing too much time with his family. He knew it was time to stoke his entrepreneurial side. He looked into everything from buying into a franchise to starting a coaching business. Through it all, he learned some keys to success that he’s now sharing with others. What You’ll learn: How Luke developed the confidence needed to step into his coaching role. Where the scarcity mindset comes from and how to not get stuck in it. How to not overthink business. What a ‘Pinch Hitter Course’ is. Favorite Quote: “It’s a fine line between arrogance and self-confidence.” — Luke Layman

Read moreCollapse

Ep 7: Jon Dale and Justin Lukasavige: Founders of Av8life, Pilots and Entrepreneurs

Season 1 · Episode 7

Tuesday, February 15, 2022 • Duration 53:58

The Av8life Flight Club is a community of Aviation enthusiasts that was founded by today’s guests, Jon Dale and Justin Lukasavige. Both dreamed of being pilots growing up, but only Justin went into flight school right after high school. Jon’s life took a different turn and he went the entrepreneurial/business route. After 7 years working for commercial airlines, Justin decided to step away and focus his time and money on his budding family. Jon and Justin met when they started working together. Justin encouraged Jon to pursue his dream of getting his pilot's license in his 40’s. By the time Jon got to his test he realized he had already spent $18k, and that this was going to be an expensive hobby. The two would go on Jon’s first licensed flight together and start to brainstorm ideas on how they could get paid for their passion. Av8life was created in December 2021 and, with a compelling story, they’ve been well received. What You’ll Learn: How Justin transitioned from an employee to a business owner. How a business partnership is like a marriage. What gap Aviate Life is looking to fill. The one leadership principle all entrepreneurs should have. Favorite Quote: “If you’re going to start a business, you have to be able to say I’m all in.” -Justin Lukasavige

Read moreCollapse

Ep 6: Greg Mink: Former F-16 Pilot; Entrepreneur; Premier1Driver on YouTube

Season 1 · Episode 6

Tuesday, February 8, 2022 • Duration 56:02

Growing up, Greg Mink was somewhat of an adrenaline junky. He went from riding go-karts, to motorcycles, to motocross. One night at dinner, Greg’s dad casually mentioned that he had bought a plane. From there, Greg and his dad started working towards their private pilots license together. Greg tested for his license as soon as he was allowed; the day after his 17th birthday. From there he earned his instrument rating, commercial rating, and CFI before going off to college. After college, Greg started the vetting process for a pilot position in the military. Greg found the pace at which they trained their pilots to be spectacular, as after about a year and a half he was flying the F16. Greg describes some of his favorite missions, which included drug interdiction out of Panama, and flying with the Egyptian Air Force. He would later transition to the Guard and then ultimately out of the military before starting his first business. Now he’s the face of Premier 1 Driver, and can be found all over YouTube. What You’ll Learn: How Greg’s tenacity landed him a highly sought after pilot spot in the military. What the path to flying an F16 looks like. How Greg’s time in the military prepared him for owning his own business. How the Blue 7 scholarship helps disabled individuals realize the dream of flying a plane. Favorite Quote: “Aviation is not really something you can do halfway.” -Greg Mink

Read moreCollapse

Ep 5: Jeff Kearns: Corporate pilot, CFI, Musician, US Army Veteran and Crypto Expert

Season 1 · Episode 4

Tuesday, February 1, 2022 • Duration 01:06:52

Today’s guest, Jeff Kearns, is a corporate pilot, CFI, musician, former professional skier and a crypto expert. Jeff knew he wanted to be a pilot from a young age, saying going to the airport was like going to the zoo for him. He thought the quickest way to get in the air was to join the Army straight out of high school. Jeff spent three years in the airborne infantry stationed in Alaska . Using his GI Bill to continue his education, Jeff majored in geography with an emphasis in meteorology. Any free time he had outside of school or work, he was working on his pilot career. Through a family friend he was able to join a charter company. His career really took off from there and now he says he’s living the dream. What You’ll Learn: What drove Jeff to become a pilot. How geography and meteorology played into an aviation career. How the Army shaped Jeff’s core values. Why the Falcon 50 and Bravo are Jeff’s favorite planes to fly. Favorite Quote: “When it comes to things that I want, I work harder than anybody else.” -Jeff Kearns

Read moreCollapse

Ep 4: Trevor Cowley: Host of Real Business Owners Podcast; Student Pilot; Investor & Entrepreneur

Season 1 · Episode 4

Friday, January 7, 2022 • Duration 57:19

Joining Jeff is the host of the Real Business Owners podcast and owner of Easier Accounting, Trevor Cowley. Growing up poor, Trevor learned early on that if he wanted something, he had to figure out how to go and get it. He would fish lost golf balls out of the bushes, polish them up, and sell them back to the golfers to make a little money. He didn’t realize it at the time, but he was on his way to being an entrepreneur. Trevor says he was so eager to have the title of entrepreneur that he threw money at dumb opportunities. His first real venture into entrepreneurship was investing in a trucking company that failed.

He’s had more failures than successes, but he says it’s all a numbers game. With a few of his businesses doing well now, Trevor believes all the failures were worth it, as they taught him invaluable lessons. He’s learned to pivot when needed and has built his confidence. Ready to learn something new and broaden his horizons, Trevor decided to give flight school a try. His next big goal is to one day own his own aircraft.

What You’ll Learn:

How to sign up for the Real Business Owners mastermind class.
How to overcome imposter syndrome.
How Trevor’s past affected his piloting journey and why he almost dropped out of flight school.
How aviation correlates with life and business.

Favorite Quote:

“So many people let their emotions make their decisions for them.” - Trevor Cowley

Read moreCollapse

Ep 3: Brandon Melendez: CFI-I; Former Airline Mechanic; Aviation High School Graduate; Ferry Pilot

Season 1 · Episode 3

Friday, January 7, 2022 • Duration 01:06:56

Jeff is speaking with Brandon Melendez, a fellow pilot he met while training at American Flyers. Growing up in Queens, NY, Brandon says that aviation was never in his family. His love for flying came from video games and from a young age Brandon knew what he wanted to do. Brandon’s grandfather was the one to tell him about an aviation high school that offered regular academics alongside aviation courses to give you a head start. It was a perfect fit for Brandon that landed him a job at Delta the same day he picked up his diploma. With his first aviation job as an aircraft support mechanic, Brandon knew he would someday work himself up to pilot.

Brandon was so impatient to get his pilot's license before he really had the money to do so, that he did it in bits and pieces. Looking back, he says it actually ended up taking him longer and costing him more. Either way, now with his private pilots license, Brandon was on top of the world. He remembers it being a time of creating memories as he did Hudson River tours for friends and frequented aviation restaurants. Brandon went on to earn his commercial pilot’s license and become a certified flight instructor. Having recently crossed the 1000-hour mark, Brandon has applied to regional airlines and accepted a job offer.

What You’ll Learn:

How an aviation high school in NY set the foundation for Brandon’s career.
What it takes to earn a pilot license-both private and commercial.
Why not all CFI courses are created equal.
Why going to Texas was one of the best decisions Brandon ever made.

Favorite Quote:

“Sometimes it's hard when you're on this journey, you forget to self reflect on your accomplishments.” – Brandon Melendez

Read moreCollapse

Ep 2: Aaron Dabney: 4x Master Flight Instructor; Entrepreneur; Flight School Owner

Season 1 · Episode 2

Friday, January 7, 2022 • Duration 48:06

Aaron Dabney is on today to share his journey in the aviation business. Aaron always saw aviation as blue collar, as many men in his family had been military pilots or crop dusters. Aaron first decided he wanted to be in aviation in high school and enrolled in Texas A&M before transferring to Baylor University for college. It was when he met his now wife that Aaron second guessed becoming a pilot and being gone a lot of the time. He instead became an admission's counselor at Baylor and recruited a young man who had a plane he wanted to make some money off of. This is what got the wheels turning for Aaron on the possibility of being a flight instructor. Aaron got certified to do just that and had his first paying customer by August 2009.

In the Fall of 2013, Aaron went out on his own as a flight instructor. He says the number one thing he learned was that as a small flight school, he needed to set himself apart. He came up with the brand of ‘teachers first, pilots second’. He prided himself on having the experience to back up his teachings. Another lesson was that there’s always going to be a rainy day as a business owner. Small business is very much a two steps forward, one step back kind of dance. Accepting that early on can save you a lot of heartache.

What You’ll Learn:

Basic qualifications and requirements of a master flight instructor.
How and why to begin with the end in mind.
Aaron’s most exciting and most scary aviation stories.
How implementing systems can save you time.

Favorite Quote:

“Aviation is a very monkey see, monkey do business.” - Aaron Dabney

Read moreCollapse

The Leaders of Aviation – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

The Leaders of Aviation – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify