Low, Heavy & Slow is No Way to Go Through Life Episode 143

So There I Was

#Aviation #Society #Lifestyle #Comedy #Documentaries #Chuck Newton and Pete Harmon #Chuck Newton #Pete Harmon

1:40:41

Episode Notes [00:00] The Power of Vulnerability [01:57] Meet Ashley Kirsner [03:55] The Impact of Active Listening [05:02] A Transformative Call [06:25] The Magic of Open-Ended Questions [13:28] The Role of Basic Needs in Emotional Well-being [17:10] The Birth of Skip the Small Talk [25:18] The First Skip the Small Talk Event [28:39] The Evolution of Skip the Small Talk [32:56] Online Events During COVID-19 [34:58] Work At An Anxiety Lab [38:08] The Importance of Positive Questions [42:40] The Power of Repeated Questions [45:33] Attending a Skip the Small Talk Event [46:14] The Speed Dating Format [47:21] Encouraging Anxious Participants [48:45] The Power of Sharing Deeply [49:32] Consistent Findings on Vulnerability [50:13] Understanding Oversharing [51:11] Structure and Time Management [52:18] Facilitators and Norms [53:12] Contact Information Norms [55:06] Intentional Iteration and Safety [56:37] The Role of Participants [59:01] Financial Accessibility and Investment [01:00:43] Balancing Accessibility and Compensation [01:01:49] Compensating Facilitators [01:04:39] Physiological Benefits of Deep Conversations [01:07:00] Research on Loneliness and Connection [01:09:02] The Impact of Loneliness on Health [01:10:41] The Role of Sleep in Connection [01:13:42] The Importance of Group Interactions [01:15:10] The Power of Intentional Conversations [01:20:26] Learning from Gathering Experts [01:23:19] Right Now Question & Following Curiosity [01:30:18] Where You Can Find Skip The Small Talk [01:35:45] Takeaway Thoughts & Questions Resources Mentioned Skip The Small Talk Chris Voss Finding Good with Brian Fretwell Dr. Nicholas Epley DBT - Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Brene Brown How We Gather by Priya Parker Power of Ritual by Casper ter Kuile How We Gather by Dr. Angie Thurston - Harvard Divinity School Death of Rasputin Harvard Graduate School of Education Harvard Wharton Business School MIT GE Aviation Act Blue Beauty Pill Producer Ben Ford Questions Asked When did you first understand the power of questions? How would this possibly work? What are we doing here? How could this possibly be effective? What is it that asking questions actually does for us? In this deep end of the pool, for what you experience as a suicide hotline counselor, what does that look like? How did that impact you? Were there questions that you found most impactful on that end? Are you feeling suicidal right now? Do you have a weapon? Do you have a plan? Do you have any objects to complete that plan with you right now? Are you comfortable being in a different room from it while we're having this conversation? When's the last time you slept? When's the last time you ate? Can we get some food in you? Can we take a walk? Do they know anything you're experiencing right now? If the roles were reversed and it were your partner or your cousin or your parent who were going through something like this, would you want them to tell you about it? Do you think they wanna know if you're going through a tough time? What if we had a space where we were all on the same page? Can you take a moment to go home and be a little more vulnerable with your roommate, partner, family, or neighbors? Can you take that skill with you into the rest of your life? How are you doing right now? How did you decide to do your first skip-the-small-talk event? When's the next one gonna be? Is this even possible? How do you have people switch partners in a way that makes sense online? How do we do this? What do you got for us? How do we do this for like hundreds of people? Can you talk about that story of where you pulled the questions from, and why you chose the different questions that you did? Where do you live? What do you like about where you live? What's the worst thing you've ever experienced? When's the last time you cried? When's the last time you experienced awe? What's something you're proud of that you don't normally get to share with people or that might not be on a resume? Specifically asking what are pieces of yourself that you don't normally get to share? What is a favorite ice cream? What was something that this organization has done right to help you? What do you think it is about the structure that allows for that to happen? What other elements are at play here? Finances would be a barrier, can you help me out? Do you wanna do it for free? Due to your position in society, does it make you more or less likely to go to prison? How can we do subtle things so that you don't have to necessarily out yourself as having an invisible disability, but still get your needs met? How can we make people with marginalized identities feel comfortable opening up? How do we make those spaces feel safer? What is your right now question? What makes an experience awesome? What makes storytelling awesome? Why was this moment so powerful? Why do we dim the lights a little at dinner parties What little things can you do to trick your physiology to be more immersed in an experience? Does doing a new novel activity with someone, trick your brain into being more excited about hanging out with someone? How can you make these memories more tactile? What does the tablecloth feel like? What do the napkins feel like? Can you just do five more of these? Can we do this throughout the year? What assumptions are you making about how much others want to know about your inner world, and how might testing those assumptions change your relationships? How might your community benefit from structured opportunities to practice deeper connection, and what role could you play in creating those spaces? If you treated meaningful conversation as essential to your health, as sleep or exercise, how would that change your daily priorities and choices? Are your questions designed to extract information or to create conditions where others can share the best parts of themselves?…

about a year ago 1:17:20

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Double-L comes back to chat with us about firefighting from the air! This episode takes an in-depth look at the dangers and challenges of aerial firefighting, featuring returning guest, Double-L. The discussion kicks off with his harrowing experiences flying C-130s through valleys engulfed in flames, emphasizing the immense risks pilots face. He shares firsthand accounts of Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems (MAFFS), strategies for containing wildfires, and the high-stakes decisions made in extreme conditions. From battling unpredictable microbursts to maneuvering through treacherous terrain, this episode provides an inside look at the crucial role military firefighting pilots play. The crew delves into the coordination required between agencies, the grueling pace of missions, and the ever-present dangers in the cockpit. Packed with real-life stories, technical insights, and a touch of humor, this episode sheds light on a little-known but vital aviation mission. See the video of the show on YouTube here: https://tinyurl.com/SoThereIWas143 Here's the URL to the YouTube of this episode including another video that Sticks played of a retardant lay-down run. https://tinyurl.com/SoThereIWas143

172 episodes

So There I Was

Low, Heavy & Slow is No Way to Go Through Life Episode 143

So There I Was

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

172 episodes

#Aviation #Society #Lifestyle #Comedy #Documentaries #Chuck Newton and Pete Harmon #Chuck Newton #Pete Harmon

All episodes

So There I Was

1
Hook Slaps & Nozzle Flops Episode 169 1:17:37

1 day ago1:17:37

1:17:37

T his week, we flip the script—Fig and RePete aren’t hosting, we’re the guests on The Flying Dutchman Show. Dutch dives into the stories, chaos, and camaraderie that define life as a Marine Harrier pilot, pulling out unforgettable tales from our years in the cockpit. From flight school struggles and first carrier landings to NATOPS checkride drama and mid-air close calls, no part of Marine aviation is off limits. You’ll hear how Fig got his call sign, how RePete nearly lost his flight contract, and how both of us beat the odds to fly the legendary AV-8B. We talk about our time in VMA-223, what makes the Harrier such a beast to fly, and why landing on a postage stamp at sea isn’t just a figure of speech. Whether you’re a pilot, veteran, or aviation junkie—if you’ve ever wondered what it takes to survive a nozzle-flop or why a death equation matters at 50 feet—this one’s for you. https://youtu.be/v0KBqE97e5I…

So There I Was

1
They Had Their Shoes On and Everything episode 168 1:16:44

8 days ago1:16:44

1:16:44

So there he was…35 feet above the water, at night, trying to airlift survivors. What happens next involves a suitcase, a shrug, and one hell of a throw. Join So There I Was as Coast Guard helo pilot “Sticks” returns to recount harrowing rescues during the Texas floods—where flying into chaos is just another Tuesday. From medevacs that look more like belly-flop contests to triaging 170 people solo in rising waters, Sticks paints a vivid—and frequently absurd—picture of what real-world Coast Guard rescues look like. We talk dynamic rollovers, helicopter dogfights (yep), shared controls (don’t try this at home), and why some paramedics apparently prefer jumping out of perfectly good aircraft with their shoes still on. This one’s funny, terrifying, and humbling. Spoiler: someone ends up soaking wet, and it’s not just the patient. 🎧 Strap in. You’ll laugh, you’ll gasp, and you’ll come away thanking your local Coastie.…

So There I Was

1
Early Is On Time, Unless You're Too Early Episode 167 58:20

15 days ago58:20

58:20

From screw-up recruit to revered drill instructor, First Sergeant John Crouch takes us deep into the crucible of Marine Corps transformation. In this gripping episode, Crouch recalls his early days at bootcamp, his infamous misstep during the Laws of Land Warfare class, and the brutal but formative experience of Drill Instructor School at Parris Island. He shares harrowing tales of PT punishment, spit-shined leadership, and the unwavering standards that mold raw recruits into Marines. Whether he’s talking about the origin of “YUT!” or the moment he lost all attraction to a stunning Staff Sergeant mid-drip, Crouch delivers humor, humility, and hard-earned wisdom. You’ll hear how tradition, stress, and shared adversity forge the kind of leaders America needs. This one’s got everything: embarrassment, endurance, and the emotional gravity that only the Corps can provide. Don’t miss this raw, hilarious, and unforgettable ride through the making of a DI.…

So There I Was

1
$174 in Pain and Pennies Episode 166 1:06:24

22 days ago1:06:24

1:06:24

So there I was… with $174 in loose change, one Garande rifle, and a sandpit full of regret. In this unforgettable episode, retired Marine First Sergeant John Crouch returns to So There I Was to share a story so absurd, it should be fiction—but it’s 100% real! From psychological stress at Officer Candidate School to creative punishments involving unsecured wallets and rifles. And you’ll hear how a Medal of Honor dog tag program gave candidates something bigger than themselves to fight for—and how a quiet act of remembrance, years later, brought that message full circle. This one has it all. You’ll laugh, wince, and maybe reconsider ever presetting a lock again. Plus: the mystery of the disappearing platoon, and the officer candidate who DOR’d mid-leg lift (spoiler: she made captain). Whether you’re a vet, a pilot, or someone who just likes your wallets where you left them, this episode is a wild ride through discipline, leadership, and 34 pounds of copper and nickel-based motivation.…

So There I Was

1
Goat Hunters, Jet Jocks & a $3,000 Rifle Episode 165 1:25:14

29 days ago1:25:14

1:25:14

We’re honored to be joined by retired USCG Chief Claude Morrissey—a veteran rescue swimmer with decades of gripping search and rescue tales. From cliffside hoists in Kodiak to extracting F-18 pilots from the Atlantic, Claude brings raw stories, grit, humor, and humility. He shares what it takes to make it through the brutal Rescue Swimmer A-School, the harrowing rescues that shaped his career, and what it’s like to fly missions from the Bering Sea to Hurricane Katrina. This one’s packed with adrenaline, emotion, and classic “so there I was” storytelling you won’t find anywhere else. Stick around as we tease Fig for slacking, honor Claude’s incredible service, and try not to get kicked off our recording platform again.…

So There I Was

1
Just Get Airborne Episode 164 1:44:12

5 weeks ago1:44:12

1:44:12

Stealth takes us straight into the Cold War cockpit on a Navy E-2 Hawkeye as he stood the watch during some of America’s most tense moments. From scrambling on alert after Reagan was shot, to deploying over the North Atlantic in DEFCON 2, to narrowly avoiding catastrophe when a ‘friendly’ dropped a bomb on a U.S. cruiser—this episode is packed with edge-of-your-seat stories. Stealth shares what it was like controlling the airspace above the fleet, even spotting submarines that were ‘never there’ from 15,000 feet, and managing chaos (and comedy) from the radar station. It’s a mix of Cold War intensity, humor, and reverent remembrance for shipmates lost. Don’t miss this look into the flying saucer dome of naval aviation.…

So There I Was

1
No Show – 19 June 2025 3:00

6 weeks ago3:00

3:00

🎙️ No New Episode This Week – But Wait… It’s a Good Thing! 🎙️ Last week’s So There I Was with Dos Gringos clocked in at over 2 hours and 15 minutes — a wild ride packed with laughs, songs, and unforgettable stories. Add in some tech gremlins this week, and we figured: let’s give you a little more time to soak it all in . If you haven’t heard it yet (or just want to hear it again), now’s your chance to dive back into the mayhem: 👉 https://sothereiwas.us/episode/163 Trust us — it’s one of our most epic episodes yet. We’ll be back next week with a brand-new show. Until then… crank up the volume and enjoy more Dos Gringos ! — RePete & Fig ✈️🎧…

So There I Was

1
We're Gonna Piss on That Episode 163 2:21:58

7 weeks ago2:21:58

2:21:58

This very long—but hilarious and heartfelt—episode dives deep into fighter pilot culture; think less dogfights, more Dos Gringos. We sat down with the irreverent band, their musical wingmen from Los Gringos, and the founders of Winglore Spirits to talk whiskey, war stories, squadron bars, and the art of laughing at yourself. You’ll hear about bad rides that birthed great songs, the origin of Two’s Blind , near-death ejections, the mythos of Shaved Dog’s Ass , and a whiskey label that offers a conservative joker and generous bingo! This isn’t just an episode—it’s a celebration of camaraderie, chaos, and culture that spans generations of pilots, crew dogs, and hanger-flying heroes. Note : We left this extra-long for a reason—trimming it would’ve felt like cutting verses from a fighter pilot anthem. Strap in and enjoy this episode for a couple of weeks!…

So There I Was

1
I Was Only Going to Hit One Episode 162 1:44:25

8 weeks ago1:44:25

1:44:25

She’s five feet tall and larger than life! She once grounded an entire A&P school’s ego. Meet Mary Latimer — a pilot, mechanic, controller, examiner, and walking aviation pioneer. In this episode, she narrowly avoids lawn-darting a Cessna 172 from 5,000 feet with no elevator control using trim like a Jedi, and managed a mag failure mid-checkride. She once told an Air Traffic Control manager she was only going to hit one airliner! From launching 2,000 passengers in one night to getting told to “go back to the kitchen,” Mary’s tales are equal parts horrifying and hilarious. Oh — and she turned a terrified passenger into a private pilot. Mary’s been breaking barriers, rules (when necessary), and stereotypes for over 50 years. Aviation students: take notes. Everyone else? Just hang on and try not to say “it gets hard sometimes” on the radio!…

So There I Was

1
A Case of Scotch the Hard Way Episode 161 1:30:13

9 weeks ago1:30:13

1:30:13

Ben Densley joins So There I Was to share his extraordinary journey—opening with a terrifying incident during a night parachute jump on to becoming a Green Beret, then a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He recalls intense special forces training, covert operations in Laos, and flying for Air America in combat zones. Ben speaks candidly about the dangers he faced, the emotional toll of war, and the resilience needed to navigate PTSD. He also offers a behind-the-scenes look at missions involving rescues, supply drops, and demolitions. Post-war, Ben continued his aviation career with the NTSB and even flew for Trump Air. Along the way, he shares humorous stories, personal reflections, and gratitude for those who supported him through both war and peace. This episode is packed with history, heroism, and humanity—told by someone who lived it all.…

So There I Was

1
Young Guns Episode 160

10 weeks ago

—

This week we hand the mic to Pisser — a Marine aviator whose call sign isn’t an insult… it’s a proven skill... Yes, he really can clear a 15-passenger van... LENGTH-WISE! From calling in fast movers to dropping bombs and one-liners, Pisser takes us on a high-speed run through the hilarity and hazards of military aviation. He crushed flight school, built tactical air control programs, and somehow kept a straight face through “murder boards” that were anything but academic. You’ll hear about combat missions, ballsy-flybys, and just enough bathroom humor to stay on brand. Strap in — this one’s got altitude, attitude, and absolutely no apologies.…

So There I Was

1
Tracer Fire; I Sorta Took That Personally Episode 159 1:38:28

11 weeks ago1:38:28

1:38:28

In this riveting episode of So There I Was, we sit down with John “Apache 2-3” Haugen, a Vietnam-era Army aviator with stories that span from the draft line in 1968 to combat flying in the Mekong Delta. John shares how he dodged a ground-pounder fate by heading to Officer Candidate School, ultimately flying slicks and accumulating over 900 hours of combat flight time. With humor, humility, and gripping detail, he recounts narrow escapes, night missions, forced landings, and his close call in a mangrove swamp that led to a surreal “third man” experience. From learning in OH-23s and flying Hueys to coordinating strikes with Cobras and Puff the Magic Dragon, John’s stories highlight the courage, camaraderie, and absurdities of combat aviation in Vietnam. Bonus tales include bar tabs in Manhattan, unexpected rat-kebabs, and the elusive “Hawk's” little black book. This is an episode packed with history, grit, and a whole lot of heart!…

So There I Was

1
The Enigmatic Aviator Episode 158 1:33:32

12 weeks ago1:33:32

1:33:32

Dr. David Hamilton, retired surgeon and award-winning historian joins us to to discuss his upcoming book The Enigmatic Aviator: Charles Lindbergh Revisited (out May 21, 2025—on the 98th anniversary of Lindbergh’s legendary flight to Paris). Dr. Hamilton unveils the lesser-known side of Lindbergh—his pivotal contributions to medical science, organ perfusion technology, and even the design of early centrifuges. We explore Lindbergh’s engineering brilliance, his secretive private life, and how his scientific legacy was buried beneath decades of political smears and tabloid noise. From barnstorming to building perfusion pumps, from fighting with the Luftwaffe to shaping the future U.S. Air Force, Lindbergh’s life was more complex than the myths suggest. This deep dive is both revelatory and respectful, with stories you’ve never heard—because until now, no one had dug this deep. Dr. Hamilton at the Smithsonian - Unusual, in that the Spirit of St. Louis was down for cleaning - NOT hanging from the ceiling as it usually is!…

So There I Was

1
The Longest Rescue Episode 157 2:08:11

13 weeks ago2:08:11

2:08:11

Bill Robinson recounts the harrowing story of being shot down over North Vietnam in 1965 during a rescue mission gone sideways. What followed was nearly eight years as a prisoner of war — making him the longest-held enlisted POW in American history. From in-flight helicopter refueling with 55-gallon drums to the chaos of capture, jungle survival, torture, and eventual release, Robinson shares vivid memories and razor-sharp insights. His humor, humility, and perspective on service, sacrifice, and resilience offer a powerful reminder of the cost of war and the strength of the human spirit. You’ll hear tales of duct-taped helicopters, donkey competitions, and homemade POW education programs — all delivered with unforgettable wit. This is not just a history lesson — it’s living testimony from a true American hero.…

So There I Was

1
Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable Episode 156 1:42:40

14 weeks ago1:42:40