Three years sober, two kids to support, and one career-shaking problem: Captain Dad gets the FAA medical he fought for, only to be told his airline still may not let him back. If you’ve ever felt one good break followed by another setback, this one hits hard.Captain Dad shares the real story behind his months off the mic - the financial pressure, the move to Phoenix, the brutal uncertainty of rebuilding a life after alcohol recovery, and the moment he thought the finish line had finally arrived. What follows is a raw, behind-the-scenes update from someone trying to stay afloat while navigating airline bureaucracy, HIMS requirements, and the emotional whiplash of “good news” that keeps getting pulled back.You’ll hear how he landed a flight instructor job in Arizona, what the FAA process really looked like in recovery, and why a missing compliance step nearly derailed everything after he had already packed a U-Haul, rented a studio, and started training. He also opens up about the day the special issuance first class medical finally came through, the overwhelming relief of feeling like he was back, and the gut punch that followed when his employer still wasn’t ready. This episode is part survival story, part hard-won perspective. Captain Dad doesn’t sugarcoat the loneliness, the stress, or the middle-of-the-night fear. But he also makes the case for the only thing that works when life feels impossible: focus on today, control what you can, and keep moving one step at a time.Essential listening if you’re in recovery, facing a career setback, or just need a reminder that getting knocked down does not mean you’re done.

The podcast episode features a personal journey of recovery, coaching a soccer team, and the importance of stepping outside one's comfort zone. It highlights the challenges and growth experienced during recovery and the impact of coaching on the host's life.

Takeaways

• Recovery journey and the challenges of intensive outpatient treatment
• The transformative impact of coaching on personal growth and identity

Chapters

• 00:00 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

The conversation covers the host's personal update, his efforts to get back to flying, the tough decision he faced, financial strain and uncertainty, and the support he received. It delves into the challenges of meeting FAA requirements and the financial struggles he is currently facing.

Takeaways

• Struggle with FAA requirements
• Financial strain and uncertainty

Chapters

• 00:00 Super Bowl and Personal Update
• 06:00 Leap of Faith and Uncertainty

The conversation revolves around facing adversity, making tough choices, taking a leap of faith, and asking for help. It explores the challenges of uncertainty and the importance of admitting the need for help in difficult times.

Takeaways

• Taking a leap of faith
• Admitting the need for help

Chapters

• 00:00 Facing Adversity and Uncertainty
• 07:00 The Leap of Faith
• 13:07 Asking for Help and Moving Forward

The conversation covers the challenges of staying sober during the holiday season, finding joy in sobriety and family moments, the setbacks and challenges with FAA and recovery programs, and the financial struggles with a positive outlook.

Takeaways

• Staying sober during the holiday season
• Finding joy in sobriety and family moments

Chapters

• 00:00 Financial Struggles and Positive Outlook

Hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving! We are into December and fast approaching Christmas. The holidays can be difficult but it's important to focus on the little things and be appreciative for what's good. The Holidays can also be difficult so don't be afraid to reach out to talk to somebody if you need help! captaindadpodcast@gmail.com

Not every day is easy. Some days are harder than others. Whether it's your job, finances or family, there is always something good to look forward to. Make a list of what fills your cup, makes you happy. Live life to the fullest and do it your way! Captaindadpodcast@gmail.com

In this heartfelt conversation, Captain Dad reflects on the importance of positivity, the impact of coaching young athletes, and the significance of putting good into the universe. He shares personal anecdotes about his experiences coaching a middle school girls' soccer team, the validation he received from the players, and the lessons learned through his journey of recovery. The discussion emphasizes the value of appreciating small moments, supporting others, and recognizing personal achievements, no matter how minor they may seem.

Takeaways

You put good into the universe, and it comes back to you.

Coaching is not just about sports; it's about life lessons.

Appreciate the little moments in life.

It's important to support and uplift those around you.

Recovery has taught me the value of gratitude.

Celebrating small victories is essential.

Being a good person takes effort and intention.

Negativity is easy; positivity is a choice.

You never know the impact you have on others.

Life is fleeting; cherish every moment.

Titles

The Power of Positivity

Coaching Life Lessons

Sound bites

"You did the work."

"Life is fleeting."

"I'm in your corner."

Chapters

00:00 Embracing Kindness and Positivity

04:59 The Impact of Coaching on Young Lives

09:18 Celebrating Personal Victories and Growth

14:07 Finding Joy in the Little Moments