Episode 23

In this episode of The Calm Cockpit, Dr. Beth Wagner—Doctor of Physical Therapy and vestibular specialist—shares science-backed strategies for keeping pilots physically ready, resilient, and confident in the cockpit. We cover proactive posture fixes, simple in-flight reset routines, practical vestibular training to reduce motion sickness and spatial disorientation, and accessible ways pilots can seek preventative care without triggering medical reporting. Dr. Wagner offers clear, actionable guidance to help pilots reduce pain, improve focus, and support long-term career health.

Dr. Wagner and Gita also discuss motion sensitivity and motion sickness in pilots.They share the specific protocol Gita–with Beth’s educational tools–is using to help train her midlife pilot brain to handle the sensations of flight and to proactively expose her system to motion in a safe environment. This has helped Gita decouple the physical sensation of movement from the anxiety of getting sick as well as provide exposure therapy on days where she isn’t flying. This discussion is a start at making a roadmap of ideas for other pilots of how to take the tools Beth provides and turn them into a real-world training tool.

Listen to This Episode If You Want To:

Prevent neck and back pain during long duty days Improve in-cockpit comfort, alertness, and focus Understand spatial disorientation and motion sickness Build a personalized wellness and movement routine Access PT support without jeopardizing flight medicals Strengthen your vestibular system through simple daily exercises

Links to Beth’s Website:

Movement & Function Physical Therapy

Videos mentioned in the show:

Beginner Vestibular Rehab Exercises- Motion Sensitivity, Imbalance, Vertigo

Foam Roller Spinal Alignment

Body Scan Relaxation

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Eye Massager Review

Episode 21

In this episode, we sit down with Jim Schilling—a 20-year law enforcement officer, Operations Lieutenant in a Major Crimes Unit, and commercially certificated pilot preparing for his CFI checkride. Jim bridges two high-stress worlds: policing and aviation. Through his experience as a detective and peer support leader, he reveals powerful lessons about resilience, performance, and proactive mental wellness that every pilot can use.

Jim shares how his department built a systemic model for mental health—including annual therapy check-ins, peer support programs, and family wellness clinics—and how aviation can adopt similar approaches. He introduces the “stress bucket” analogy, explaining how cumulative stress builds over time and why we all need healthy ways to “dump it out.”

From using aviation as therapy to recognizing when not to fly, Jim underscores that self-awareness and training discipline are the true foundations of safety. His mantra says it all: “You don’t rise to the occasion—you fall to your highest level of education and training.”

We also explore why silence fuels stigma, how talking openly can save lives, and how aviation can evolve toward a culture of shared wellness and resilience.

Key Takeaways: Mental health isn’t weakness—it’s part of your system of readiness. The “stress bucket” reminds us to process trauma before it overflows. Even “aviation therapy” requires an I’M SAFE checklist. In a crisis, you fall to the level of your education and training—so train intentionally. Silence isolates; conversation connects.

Jim also shares his creative journey as host of Flying Midwest Podcast and AeroExploration, where he inspires others to find joy, perspective, and purpose through flight.

Follow Jim Schilling: AeroExploration Podcast — YouTube and Podcast Platforms Flying Midwest Podcast — homepage for Flying Midwest Media