As 2025 comes to a close, join host Pilot Mercedes for a special year-end episode of Skyward — the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of the aviation and aerospace world.
In this “Best of 2025” compilation, we revisit the most powerful, honest, and actionable advice shared by our incredible guests throughout the year. From seasoned airline captains and military pilots to flight attendants, hobby flyers, NASA-funded scientists, and those overcoming unique challenges like diabetes in aviation, this episode packs timeless wisdom for anyone passionate about flying.
You’ll hear standout insights on:

- Cultivating a growth mindset and handling feedback
- The importance of frequency, recency, and never letting ego outpace skill
- Staying adaptable, networking, and finding mentorship
- Why weather is the #1 factor every pilot must respect
- Advice specifically for women breaking into the industry
- Balancing family, mistakes, and humility in high-stakes careers
- Turning challenges into opportunities and never losing the joy of flight

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Skyward Podcast and 2025 Highlights
02:58 Guidance for Aspiring Aviation Professionals
05:56 Tips for New Pilots and Flight Attendants
09:06 Exploring Aviation as a Career or Hobby
12:01 Navigating Challenges in Aviation
14:47 Advice for Women in Aviation
18:08 Managing Health Challenges in Aviation
21:10 Learning from Mistakes in Aviation
24:09 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

Whether you’re an aspiring pilot, a recreational flyer, considering aviation as a career or hobby, or simply inspired by the skies, these gems will motivate you heading into 2026.
Thank you for an amazing launch year — here’s to flying higher in the next!

Learn more:
If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sound_skies/
Email: mercedes@skywardpodcast.com

If you’re looking for a new place to host your podcast, I use Buzzsprout. You get a $20.00 bonus if you use my link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2447859

Skyward Patreon Community is up and running! If you’re looking for a group of other amazing aviation and aerospace enthusiasts like you, here’s your spot!
https://patreon.com/Skywardpodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

🎙️ Hosted by Pilot Mercedes

With years of experience as a pilot, Pilot Mercedes brings you Skyward Podcast. Your go-to show for mastering flight training, building confidence, and exploring all the different layers of the aviation and aerospace industries. Learn the strategies that actually work from someone who’s been in the cockpit. Subscribe for bi-weekly aviation and aerospace stories and advice that help you soar to new heights!

Tap this to send Mercedes a message!