Best DPE Podcasts (2025)

1
Should You Skip College for Flight Training? Airline vs. Corporate Pilot Life + Flight School Scams & CFI Red Flags 36:05

8d ago36:05

36:05

🎙 LIVE: Should You Skip College for Flight Training? Airline vs. Corporate Pilot Life + Flight School Scams & CFI Red Flags 📅 August 7th | The Pilot’s Discord Morning Show Today’s episode is packed with raw insights, hot takes, and no-filter pilot talk: ✈️ College vs. No College – Do you really need a degree to get hired at the airlines? Or should …

1
A320 First Officer & Corporate Pilot React to Brutal Checkride Story 50:41

9d ago50:41

50:41

🎙️ Corporate Pilot Theo & A320 First Officer Ben Join the Pilot’s Discord Daily! Today’s live episode is one of our most important yet. We unpack a raw, emotional story from a pilot who failed their 121 checkride — their fourth checkride failure — and was asked to resign just days later. Now, they’re jobless, supporting a child, and unsure of their…

1
More Than Skin Deep: Enhanced Preflight Inspection for GA Pilots | Seth Lake Safety Seminar 50:01

9d ago50:01

50:01

In this detailed safety seminar, DPE and CFI Seth Lake walks pilots through an enhanced preflight inspection process—going beyond the surface-level checks most pilots perform. Using real NTSB accidents from Arkansas, Seth highlights how minor oversights—like frayed throttle cables, loose spark plugs, or degraded exhaust components—can result in cat…

1
Pilot Career Advice, Checkride Failures, & Going Independent (ft. Theo - Corporate Pilot) 37:30

11d ago37:30

37:30

In this pilot episode, we dive deep into the realities of building a career in aviation—especially when the journey doesn’t go as planned. Jason is joined by Theo, a corporate pilot flying the Challenger 650, to talk shop, share stories, and give real, honest advice for pilots navigating setbacks. ▶️ Topics Covered: Life flying the Challenger 650 C…

1
#28 - Back to School 2025: Class Agreements, Student Voice, and Intentional Routines with Rhys Meredith 45:09

11d ago45:09

45:09

This episode is part of the Back to School 2025 series, which is focused on setting a positive tone for the school year and building an inclusive culture in PE that provides meaningful experiences for all students from day one. In this episode, Rhys and I discuss how to create co-agreements with students, examples of what they look like and the imp…

1
From 400 Hours to a 24-Year Corporate Pilot Career – Wayne’s Story 45:36

12d ago45:36

45:36

Meet Wayne, a seasoned corporate pilot with a 24-year tenure flying jets across the U.S. and internationally. In this episode, Wayne walks us through his aviation journey—from skipping college classes to chasing his dream of becoming a pilot, instructing with just a few students, and landing his first regional airline job with only 400 hours total …

1
Live Q&A: CFI Renewals, MEI Training Tips, Wet vs Dry Leases, Aircraft Ownership & More 52:04

13d ago52:04

52:04

In this live Q&A session of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth Lake tackles a wide range of pilot questions from Discord, Instagram, and YouTube. Topics include: CFI Gold Seal renewals and FISDO processing Understanding static pressure and pitot systems Preparing for Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) training Teaching depth for CFIs and avoiding informatio…

1
Checkride Insights Ep. 4 — Jeremy Lashbrook on Airworthiness, Checkride Errors, and CFI Rolls 1:01:47

15d ago1:01:47

1:01:47

In this episode, Seth sits down with Jeremy Lashbrook, a seasoned pilot and Designated Pilot Examiner with over 26 years of U.S. Army aviation experience. Jeremy brings unique insight from his extensive background flying both rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft, EMS helicopter operations, and type ratings in multiple complex aircraft. Together, they…

1
High Altitude Ops: Oxygen Systems & Pressurization Explained 1:22:27

20d ago1:22:27

1:22:27

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth takes a deep dive into high altitude operations, breaking down FAA requirements, oxygen systems, and cabin pressurization from both a technical and checkride prep perspective. Whether you're a Commercial, CFI, or ATP applicant, you'll gain practical insight on: • The types of oxygen systems you’ll e…

1
Airbus 320 First Officer Ben - From Fear of Flying to Major Legacy Airline Pilot 1:46:54

23d ago1:46:54

1:46:54

Pilot Journey: From Fear of Flying to Major Legacy Airline Pilot - Ben's Story Join us as we dive deep into Ben's incredible journey from initially being terrified of flying to becoming a major legacy airline captain. In this episode, Ben shares his fascinating origin story, overcoming early fears, navigating challenges such as air sickness, and pr…

1
Checkride Insights Ep. 3 — Nick Adcock on Preparation, Common Pitfalls, and Checkride Mindset 50:13

1M ago50:13

50:13

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, host Seth Lake interviews Nick Adcock, a designated pilot examiner (DPE) with a rich background in military and commercial aviation. They discuss common pitfalls applicants face during checkrides, including logbook issues, airworthiness checks, and the importance of preparation. Nick shares insights on t…

1
Checkride Insights Ep. 2 — Adam Boyd on Airworthiness, Instruction, and Checkride Readiness 1:14:59

2M ago1:14:59

1:14:59

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, host Seth interviews Adam Boyd, a designated pilot examiner (DPE) with extensive experience in aviation. They discuss the importance of preparation for check rides, common pitfalls applicants face, and the significance of briefings and debriefings. Adam shares insights on airworthiness, endorsements, and…

1
Checkride Insights Ep. 1 — Tom Guillebeau on Setting Expectations and Avoiding Pitfalls 1:01:58

2M ago1:01:58

1:01:58

In the premiere episode of Checkride Insights, Seth sits down with Tom Guillebeau, a seasoned Designated Pilot Examiner and C-130 instructor pilot with the Arkansas Air National Guard. Tom shares his journey from mowing lawns for flying lessons to becoming a military evaluator, and gives practical advice for checkride applicants—from setting expect…

1
Personal Minimums, Risk Management, and 135 Checkrides: What You Need to Know 1:00:59

2M ago1:00:59

1:00:59

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth dives deep into the often-misunderstood topic of personal minimums—how to build them, stick to them, and apply them on checkride day. Using FAA guidance and practical examples, he outlines real-world risk management techniques, including when to cancel a flight and how to safely mitigate marginal we…

1
Decoding the ACS | Part 5 - Mastering Airspace: Private, Commercial, and CFI-Level Scenarios 1:00:55

2M ago1:00:55

1:00:55

This is Episode 5 in the Decoding the ACS series, where we break down the Airman Certification Standards one task at a time. In this episode, we cover Area of Operation I, Task E: National Airspace System. Whether you're preparing for your Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, or CFI checkride, this session explains how this task is tested across all th…

1
#27 - End-of-Year PE Reflections: Looking Back and Moving Forward with Adam Mullis 36:49

2M ago36:49

36:49

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe It’s the final episode of the first year of the Distinguished PE Podcast — and it’s all about taking time to reflect. In this episode, I sit down with Adam Mullis to talk about wrapping up the school year with purpose: how to reflect on your teaching, your students’ …

1
CFI Hour Myths, MEI ROI, and Avoiding Illegal Charter: Live Q&A 1:00:44

3M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

In this live Q&A edition of the VSL Aviation Podcast, host Seth Lake dives into a wide range of topics submitted by the aviation community. From the myths around required CFI ground training hours to advice on whether getting your MEI is worth the investment, Seth provides practical, experience-based insights. He also tackles how to avoid inadverte…

1
#26 - How the DPE Virtual Course Transformed Our Teaching with Jessie Erikson, Scott Harris, Byron Robinson, and Jen Smith 50:08

3M ago50:08

50:08

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe What happens when four PE teachers commit to growing their practice together? In this episode, I sit down with Jessie Erikson, Scott Harris, Byron Robinson, and Jen Smith - all participants in the Distinguished PE Book Study - to talk about how the experience reshape…

1
#25 - Supporting English Learners in PE Without Speaking Their Language (Yet) with Kelly Donnelly 40:42

3M ago40:42

40:42

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe What would you do if 200 new students walked into your gym — most of them speaking a language you don’t understand? That’s exactly what happened to Kelly Donnelly, a PE teacher in Denver Public Schools. In this powerful episode, Kelly shares how welcoming a wave of S…

1
Logging Time, Checkride Tips & Pilot Questions 1:19:31

3M ago1:19:31

1:19:31

In this episode, we celebrate new pilot certifications 🎉, tackle common logbook questions 📘, explain how ForeFlight sources winds aloft 🌬, and clarify cross-country time rules 🗺. We also walk through a real listener landing scenario at KVNY 🛬, give a quick weather symbol refresher 🌦, cover what to do if ADS-B is inoperative 📡, and answer listener q…

1
Runway Excursions, Non-Standard Climb Gradients, and Weather Radar Tips 1:08:12

4M ago1:08:12

1:08:12

In this week's episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, we dig into three real-world flying topics pilots must know: Runway Excursion Mitigation: A deep dive into Advisory Circular 91-79B, how to avoid overruns, and a real-world discussion led by Ryan Bow about common landing errors and risk factors. Non-Standard Climb Gradients: Learn how to spot non-…

1
#24 - Highlights and Takeaways from SHAPE Baltimore 2025 with Jen Smith 27:43

4M ago27:43

27:43

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe My guest today is Jen Smith, a passionate PE leader and teacher from Denver, Colorado, who recently returned from the 2025 SHAPE America National Convention in Baltimore. Jen has been teaching for over 20 years and is known for her energy, thoughtful leadership, and …

1
Wet vs Dry Leases, Second Opinions, and Manifold Pressure Myths 1:31:18

4M ago1:31:18

1:31:18

This week on the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth dives into three major topics that affect pilots across the training and professional spectrum. First, he breaks down the difference between wet and dry leases — why it's critical to understand operational control, how to avoid illegal charter situations, and what lease paperwork needs to be in place. The…

1
Accidents, Digital Avionics, and Required Equipment: What Every Pilot Should Know 1:13:09

4M ago1:13:09

1:13:09

In this episode, Seth dives into three critical areas for every pilot: what to do after an accident, how modern digital avionics like MEMS sensors work, and a practical breakdown of maintenance responsibilities and required equipment. You'll get clear, no-nonsense guidance on pilot responsibilities at the scene of an accident, how to interpret comp…

1
#23 - Why Every PE Program Needs Yoga with Kristen Santos 45:10

4M ago45:10

45:10

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe Looking for ways to create a calmer, more connected PE environment? In this episode, I talk with Kristen Santos — a certified yoga instructor and Massachusetts Middle School PE Teacher of the Year — about how yoga can help students self-regulate, focus, and feel more…

1
Runway Incursions, Practical Test Tips, and Live Q&A 1:19:21

4M ago1:19:21

1:19:21

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth Lake dives into runway incursion avoidance, a critical focus area for the FAA and a common checkride discussion point. He shares insights from the FAA’s From the Flight Deck initiative and explains how this content can help applicants prepare—especially for CFI-level checkrides. The second half feat…

1
#22 - How to Plan an Unforgettable Field Day with Drew Burris 41:18

5M ago41:18

41:18

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe My guest today is Drew Burris, an award-winning physical education teacher in Missouri with 14 years of teaching experience and a passion for creating memorable learning experiences for his students. Drew currently teaches PreK–2nd grade at Ridge View Elementary and …

1
#21 – Why Dance Belongs in PE: Strategies, Confidence & Inclusion with Victor Spadaro 39:45

5M ago39:45

39:45

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe My guest today is Victor Spadaro, a dynamic and passionate physical educator from Arlington, Virginia. Victor teaches PreK–5th grade at Abingdon Elementary and was recently named the 2025 Southern District Elementary PE Teacher of the Year. He’s an OPEN National Trai…

1
Don’t Log That! FAA Time-Building Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 54:38

5M ago54:38

54:38

In this week’s VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth dives deep into three critical topics for pilots and instructors alike. First, he breaks down how to get involved with the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) and make the most of the WINGS Program. Next, he explains the real why behind airspace design—offering a fresh approach for CFIs to improve student understand…

1
#20 - The Power of Adapted PE: Strategies, Tools, and Insights with Brad Hunter 53:49

5M ago53:49

53:49

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe My guest today is Brad Hunter. Brad has been working with students in a physical activity capacity for 19 years—first through a nonprofit that brought meaningful play to schools, then as an elementary PE teacher, and now in his sixth year as an itinerant Adapted PE t…

1
ADS-B Pitfalls, Mastering Forward Slips, and What CFIs Are Missing 49:44

5M ago49:44

49:44

Welcome back to the VSL Aviation Podcast! I'm your host, Seth Lake, a CFI and DPE here to help you navigate checkrides and general aviation topics. This weekly podcast is recorded live on Discord, with additional streaming on YouTube, Instagram, and Twitch. In this episode, we dive into three major topics before opening the floor to listener questi…

1
#19 - Becoming a Better PE Teacher Through National Board Certification with Patrick Noel 43:15

5M ago43:15

43:15

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe My guest today is Patrick Noel. Patrick received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from St. Bonaventure University and a Master of Arts in Kinesiology with a PE emphasis from Fresno Pacific University. He is in his 19th year of teaching in Fairfax …

1
Illegal Charters, Emergency Procedures, and Checkride Prep – VSL Aviation Podcast 1:14:40

5M ago1:14:40

1:14:40

VSL Aviation Podcast – Episode Recap In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, host Seth Lake dives into key aviation topics, answers listener questions, and shares insights from real-world flying experiences. Topics Covered: Chapters: 02:30 Understanding Part 135 Operators – How to verify if an employer is legally operating under Part 135, usin…

1
#18 - Motivating Secondary Students Through Student Choice with Austin Olsen and Caitlin Schoville 53:26

5M ago53:26

53:26

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe My guests today are Caitlin Schoville and Austin Olsen, two nationally recognized middle school physical educators. Caitlin teaches 7th and 8th grade health and PE at Pleasant Valley Junior High in eastern Iowa. She was named SHAPE Iowa’s Middle School Teacher of the…

1
Avoid These Pilot Errors! | 2025 FAR Changes, CFI Privileges & TEM Explained 1:09:15

5M ago1:09:15

1:09:15

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth Lake covers a variety of key aviation topics and answers listener questions. We kick things off with Threat and Error Management (TEM) and how to apply it in your daily flying. Then we dive into clarifying CFI responsibilities, discuss updates to the 2025 FAR/AIM, and wrap up with insights on CFI pr…

1
Rethinking Commercial Pilot Training 1:07:51

6M ago1:07:51

1:07:51

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Jason Blair’s recent article, "Things I Propose We Change in Initial Commercial Pilot Certification Standards and Experience Requirements" (🔗 Read it here). I break down his key points, share my thoughts, and discuss why I completely agree with his take. From there, we opened up the conversation to our live…

1
#17 – From College to the Gym: Practical PE Insights with Christina Collins 40:54

6M ago40:54

40:54

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe My guest today is Christina Collins, founder and owner of NeverStopMoving365, an organization focused on expanding access to physical education beyond the school day. Christina holds a Master’s in Sport Science and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Lea…

1
#16 – Preparing for a Physical Education Job Interview: Tips for Standing Out 13:22

6M ago13:22

13:22

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe In this episode, I explore how to prepare for a physical education job interview in a way that highlights your professionalism, instructional skills, and commitment to student growth. Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned educator looking for a new opportunity, …

1
#15 - Encouraging Learning and Growth in Physical Education Through Self-Reflection with Erin Evans 48:33

6M ago48:33

48:33

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe In this episode, I’m joined by Erin Evans, an award-winning physical education teacher whose passion for teaching and dedication to her community have made a meaningful impact both in and out of the gym. Originally from Australia, Erin now teaches in Montana, where s…

1
#14 - Legitimizing Physical Education Through Meaningful Assessment with Adam Mullis 50:01

7M ago50:01

50:01

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe Today I’m joined by Dr. Adam Mullis, a passionate educator and advocate for health and physical education. Adam is in his 10th year of teaching middle school PE and health, holds advanced degrees in curriculum, assessment, and instruction, and has served in leadershi…

1
Pilot Logbook: Insights, Emergencies, and Oddities 1:00:45

7M ago1:00:45

1:00:45

In this episode of Pilot Logbook, we dive into essential and intriguing topics every pilot should consider. We clarify the nuances of PDPIC and explore the proper ways to log PIC and Cross-Country time as a safety pilot. Next, we tackle the psychology of flying under pressure by analyzing two real-world cases of pilots panicking during emergencies.…

1
#13 - Establishing a Culture of Excellence in PE with Sam Horton 58:19

8M ago58:19

58:19

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe Today I’m joined by Sam Horton, a dedicated PE teacher and swimming lead with seven years of experience in education. Sam was recently recognized for introducing the Swim England National School Swimming Award at his school. He’s developed full curricula for both PE …

1
Fine-Tuning Your Flight: Landing Speeds, Critical Engines, and CFI Insights 1:31:54

8M ago1:31:54

1:31:54

Join professional pilot and DPE Seth Lake as he dives deep into the questions and concerns that pilots, instructors, and aviation enthusiasts bring to the table. Each episode features honest, no-nonsense discussions covering everything from FAA guidance and training best practices to advanced techniques and real-world insights. Whether you’re worki…

1
Kicking Off the New Weekly Format 44:31

8M ago44:31

44:31

Welcome to the revamped weekly edition of the podcast! In this episode, I tackle listener questions about MEI (Multi-Engine Instructor) privileges and share tips for preparing for a multi-engine add-on rating. I also dive into a couple of engaging discussions from r/Flying Reddit threads that I’ve recently commented on. This new weekly format adds …

1
#12 – Standards-Based PE Assessment Made Practical with Jen Smith and Jesse Weber 1:07:59

9M ago1:07:59

1:07:59

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe In this episode, I’m joined by Jen Smith and Jesse Weber to explore what meaningful assessment can look like in a high-quality PE program. We discuss: How our views on assessment have evolved over the years Common misconceptions about grading and assessment in PE Out…

1
#11 - Why Student Talk Matters in PE with Mark Lombardi 33:56

10M ago33:56

33:56

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe Today I’m speaking with Mark Lombardi, a veteran physical education teacher who has spent the past 23 years at Godsman Elementary in Denver Public Schools. Mark earned his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in K–12 education from the University of Nort…

1
#10 – Empowering Student Voice Through Peer Feedback with Peter Rossi 28:03

11M ago28:03

28:03

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe My guest today is Peter Rossi, the physical education teacher at Stedman Elementary School in Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood. After earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism and working as a reporter, Pete transitioned to education and completed a master’s in physic…

1
Decoding the Private Pilot ACS | Part 4 57:32

11M ago57:32

57:32

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, host Seth Lake dives into Cross Country Flight Planning, a critical task in the Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards (ACS). Seth breaks down the 2024 ACS updates, including the use of electronic flight bags (EFBs) like ForeFlight, and how to navigate the challenges of VFR flight planning. He also…

1
#9 – Chapter Two of Becoming a Distinguished PE Teacher: High Expectations for Student Behavior 42:52

12M ago42:52

42:52

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe In this episode, I read Chapter 2 of my book, Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher. This chapter explores: Why high expectations for student behavior are essential in PE How consistent routines and expectations help create a safe and motivating environ…

1
#8 – “What Are We Learning Today?”: Creating and Communicating Content and Language Objectives with Jen Smith 53:22

12M ago53:22

53:22

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe My guest today is Jen Smith, the Physical Education Instructional Curriculum Specialist for Denver Public Schools. Jen brings over a decade of teaching experience and a passion for supporting PE teachers in creating standards-based, student-centered lessons. In this …

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