Shows
Inspire-Ability#64 Charlotte Storey - Two-Handed WorldIn the final episode of our series, we continue with Charlotte Storey for a heartfelt conversation about the two-handed world we live in. Charlotte opens up about her personal experiences she has had travelling with her disability, sharing the challenges and perils she's faced along the way. With unwavering courage, she reflects on the deep hope she holds to make a change for others who find themselves in similar situations. This emotional journey closes as she reflects on her powerful memories of her mother and one particularly unforgettable flight. Hear Charlotte share an incredibly touching tribute and...2025-04-0445 minInspire-Ability#63 Charlotte Storey - Inner AssassinIn this episode Harriett sits down with our final guest of the season, the remarkable Charlotte Storey, to discuss her incredible storey beginning in the West End. Charlotte shares how she learned to own the stage before she developed her musical talent, specializing in the baritone saxophone. Charlotte opens up about how her path took an unexpected turn when she faced serious shoulder complications, ultimately resulting in losing the use of her right arm. Rather than letting this setback define her, Charlotte’s determination and resilience drove her to shift focus, turning her skills into a mission to empower ot...2025-03-2827 minInspire-Ability#62 Delphine Legat - Rejection, RedirectionIn part 2, Delphine Legat joins host Harriett Pound to dive deep into the psychology of burnout and stress. Delphine opens up about the powerful mindset shifts that can help you manage daily stressors, find balance, and seize opportunities in life. She emphasizes the importance of failing regularly and using rejection as a tool for redirection, encouraging growth through every challenge. Delphine explains how to do incredible self-regulation techniques that can empower you to navigate stress with ease and confidence. Tune in for expert advice and practical tips on overcoming burnout and embracing a healthier, more resilient approach to life.2025-03-2134 minInspire-Ability#61 Delphine Legat - Habit StackingIn this episode, guest Delphine Legat explains how she became a psychologist , confidence and performance coach. Hear how her childhood and education helped her find her voice which became useful when she started a corporate role. After years of hard work and experiencing burn-out first hand, she broke away from the mould and turned her efforts to help coach others. Listen in as Delphine explains the logic behind Burn- out, the cycles your body goes through and how you can adopt healthy routines to manage stress. Watch now, https://youtu.be/xz7FVuLDbCs . This episode is available a...2025-03-1440 minInspire-Ability#60 Arthur Williams - Cubbing AroundListen in for the second part of Arthur Williams' insightful chat with Harriett. Hear how Arthur combined his passion for aviation and television into an epic career. From presenting at the 2012 Paralympics to hosting shows from around the world, Arthur reflects on how these experiences have shaped his life and work. Now part of the Farm Strip Flying team in Worcestershire, he’s all in when it comes to supporting General Aviation, especially as it faces some challenging years ahead. Get ready for an upbeat chat filled with stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and what keeps Arthur soaring both in the sk...2025-03-0729 minInspire-Ability#59 Arthur Williams - Blue Sky ThinkingIn this episode, we sit down with Arthur Williams as he takes us through his story. From his early years serving in the Marines, to a life-altering car accident in 2007. Hear how he found a life-changing distraction in Aerobility, where he trained to become a pilot, applied some 'Blue Sky Thinking' and found new purpose. Watch now, https://youtu.be/my95OqBXXtc. This episode is available as a podcast, or in video format with subtitles on YouTube. To find out more about Aerobility, please visit our website: www.aerobility.com. Make sure to follow Farm Strip Flying o...2025-02-2827 minInspire-Ability#58 Sarah Stephenson-Hunter - Tidal Wave MomentIn the second part of her story, Sarah Stephenson-Hunter reveals what led to her tidal wave moment, forcing Sarah to confront unimaginable challenges. With unwavering courage, Sarah opens up about the hard decisions she's had to make, fully embracing her new reality, relentlessly building her confidence to be the best disabled entrepreneur she can be today and most importantly, her authentic true self. Watch Now, https://youtu.be/XuDOOV2VeRI. This episode is available as a podcast, or in video format with subtitles on YouTube. To find out more about Aerobility, please visit our website: www.aerobility.com2025-02-2143 minInspire-Ability#57 Sarah Stephenson-Hunter – F.E.A.RIn this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Sarah Stephenson-Hunter, who shares her powerful journey of growing up with health challenges and the profound impact it had on her childhood. Facing severe bullying and struggling to fit in at school, Sarah battled through some dark times. Despite her health deteriorating over the years, she opens up about the emotional journey of losing her sight, but through it all finding the resilience in the face of adversity. Listen in to hear Sarah's story of strength, perseverance, and the unwavering belief in living life to the fullest. Watch on YouTube : https://y...2025-02-1431 minInspire-Ability#56 Mandy Hickson – Break Right!In the second part of Mandy’s chat with Harriett, she reflects upon her experiences navigating life in the military. Mandy opens up about the challenges of being female in a traditionally male-dominated field, exploring the power of teamwork, selfless service, and the evolution of mental health awareness. Sharing personal stories from her deployment in Iraq, she paints a vivid picture of the resilience and courage required on the frontlines, proving a powerful conversation about strength, sacrifice, and the importance of honesty.https://youtu.be/3Dvp7AUsY5I2025-01-3136 minInspire-Ability#55 Mandy Hickson – Stepping StonesThis week, fast jet pilot, now motivational speaker and author of ‘An Officer, Not a Gentleman’ Mandy Hickson sits down with Harriett Pound. Mandy walks us through her early career and the stepping stones she faced as she navigated the RAF in the 1980’s. Facing failures, building resilience and educating others on ‘Femininity’, Mandy reflects on how her past experiences have shaped her into the un-apologetic woman she is today. This episode is available as a podcast, or in video format with subtitles on YouTube. To find out more about Aerobility, please visit our website: www.aerobility.com2025-01-2451 minInspire-Ability#54 Paul and David Winstanley - Grounding ForceIn Part 2, Paul and David share how their mother ensured that they remained grounded throughout the peaks and troughs of their career paths. With twists and turns, we find out these brothers have had no easy ride, but through it all made invaluable memories and maintained a brotherly bond that they’ll cherish forever. This episode is available as a podcast, or in video format with subtitles on YouTube. To find out more about Aerobility, please visit our website: www.aerobility.com2025-01-1754 minInspire-Ability#53 Paul and David Winstanley - Bounce Back-AbilityKicking off the New Year, Harriett is joined by the Winstanley brothers; Paul (Air Traffic Controller, Chair of the UK ATCO union and Aerobility trustee) and David (C.E.O of Biggin Hill Airport). Sharing their unfiltered highs and lows, Paul and David discuss how they navigated through early life, learning to look after their mental health, and how bouncing back from mistakes helped them develop into the inspirational leaders they are today. This episode is available as a podcast and in video format with subtitles on YouTube. To find out more about Aerobility, please visit our website: www...2025-01-1037 min
Undercurrent StoriesInside the Exclusive World of Executive Jet Travel: Captain Nick Glover Inside the Exclusive World of Executive Jet Travel: Captain Nick GloverIn this episode of Undercurrent Stories, host Bob Wells sits down with Nick Glover, a former executive jet captain with an impressive career in business aviation and instructor at Aerobility, a unique charity offering people with disabilities the opportunity to fly. Together, they explore the fascinating life of an executive jet pilot and the exclusive world of VIP and celebrity air travel. From handling pre-flight checks and last-minute trips to flying royalty and high-profile public figures, Nick’s journey offers an insider’s perspective filled with thril...2024-11-1450 min
Unexpected TurnsTop 10-Brian: Defying the OddsNext up Top 5, Brian Wheeler. Brian describes his journey as a catalogue of failure and rejection, yet against all odds and defying medical logic he has truimphed. A competitive runner and rower Brian became paralysed overnight. Join Anne, Bev and Julie to hear his incredible story, of overcoming paralysis in order to run and fly again. His determination to walk and support others has resulted in him raising thousands of pounds for Aerobility, the Charity which enables all abilities to fly. This is the first of our episodes with Brian, he will be back in next show to answer you...2024-08-1144 min
Unexpected TurnsTop 10-Brian: Defying the OddsNext up Top 5, Brian Wheeler.
Brian describes his journey as a catalogue of failure and rejection, yet against all odds and defying medical logic he has truimphed. A competitive runner and rower Brian became paralysed overnight. Join Anne, Bev and Julie to hear his incredible story, of overcoming paralysis in order to run and fly again. His determination to walk and support others has resulted in him raising thousands of pounds for Aerobility, the Charity which enables all abilities to fly. This is the first of our episodes with Brian, he will be back in...2024-08-1144 minInspire-Ability#52 Katherine Moloney LIVE - One Percent MoreIn a special one-off live episode of Inspire-Ability, recorded out in the elements at Blackbushe during our fantastic Aerobility Live event, Harriett is joined on stage by Katherine Moloney. Katherine is a successful businesswoman, and recently established the ‘Elevate Her’ programme to educate, inform, and inspire gender diversity in the aviation industry. Despite her current passion for all things flying, Katherine tells Harriett how this was not always the case, having been uninterested in aviation until she was 18! Now though, Katherine is driven by her love of flying, and her desire to share this with as many other wome...2024-08-0935 minInspire-Ability#51 Chrissie Miller - A Privilege and a ChallengeFor the final episode of this year’s studio recordings of Inspire-Ability, Chrissie Miller takes us through her journey from graduating staff college through to taking the role she dreamed of when first starting out within the RAF. Although her experiences in this time challenged the preconceived ideas that she had about service life, Chrissie shares with Harriett her observations as a female in a senior leadership role in the RAF, when so often she found herself to be the only woman in the room. Chrissie also reflects on the progress that has been made in society, especially in...2024-07-1231 minInspire-Ability#50 Chrissie Miller - A Day At A TimeIn the second part of our conversation with Chrissie, she discusses the challenges she faced during the training for her role in the RAF. To help her overcome this, she shares with Harriett how she found “another little family” within the Air Force, especially in the extracurricular sporting opportunities it presented. Despite the stresses of her course, Chrissie was ultimately successful in graduating as an area radar operator at the first attempt, and what follows was an extremely impressive progression in the field, including a deployment to Afghanistan. In reflecting on her own advancement, she and Harriett discuss the importance of g...2024-07-0528 minInspire-Ability#49 Chrissie Miller - The Making of MeThe first episode with our final studio guest of the series sees Chrissie Miller catch up with Harriett. The current RAF Group Captain discusses her childhood and military upbringing, with both parents serving in the Navy, and how she left university with a sports science degree but very little firm career direction. With the military calling, Chrissie goes on to describe how she approached the interview process, and explains why working in an office role at Vodaphone was the perfect training to become an RAF Air Traffic Controller!Episodes released every...2024-06-2828 minInspire-Ability#48 Allister Bridger - Take A MomentFor our final episode in conversation with Al, he and Harriett discuss the importance of role models while reflecting on his speaking visit to a school, where he was inspired by the childrens’ interest in aviation; conversation also covers the real and perceived barriers for various demographics, and how this can be improved by those within the industry. Al also reflects on the challenges he faces in balancing work and life, and he shares what he has learned in decompressing from work (especially the importance of saying no). Lastly, he shares how his foray into cooking during lockdown ha...2024-06-2126 minInspire-Ability#47 Allister Bridger - Level BestIn the second part of our conversation with Allister Bridger, he discusses his role as Director of Flight Operations with British Airways during the coronavirus pandemic, and the challenges that he faced during the greatest period of uncertainty in aviation history. Al shares how he chooses to project confidence in these situations, even if internally he is “always catastrophizing”, and describes how this relates to his core values. He also discusses with Harriett the importance of diversity and social mobility within aviation; having joined BA before they took on their first female pilot, and how he has continued to e...2024-06-1431 minInspire-Ability#46 Allister Bridger - A New DimensionThe first part of our interview with our next guest, Allister Bridger. From a typical childhood in Tunbridge Wells, to a career in the Royal Air Force, and subsequently rising to such positions as Director of Flight Operations at British Airways, flying has been a huge part of Al’s life. But initially, living under the glide path for Gatwick Airport was only “peripheral”, and it wasn’t until a family holiday at the age of 12 on a Monarch airliner that he caught the flying bug! From that initial spark, Al describes to Harriett how the goal of being a...2024-06-0728 minInspire-Ability#45 Katy Lee MBE - Aviation in ReachWe close our conversation with Katy Lee MBE, with a discussion around the importance of mental health and the importance of support across all industries and working environments. Katy was responsible for establishing Pilots Together, a text service for confidential mental health support for pilots, and she speaks movingly about how the loss of her father has fed her drive to support these measures. Katy and Harriett also share advice on reaching out for help, and how to recognise the signs in your own mental health that indicate you might need support. After Pilots Together, Katy has also...2024-05-3129 minInspire-Ability#44 Katy Lee MBE - No Perfect AnswerIn the second part of our conversation with Katy, she discusses with Harriett what she learned during her time as a teacher. She describes how some of the skills she applied to her teaching are applicable to everyday life, especially in her current training roles. On a similar note, Katy describes her role within the Air Training Corps, and how her involvement has grown to include taking part in expanding the use of drones and new technology for young people. Although this environment was totally new to her, Katy tells us how her confidence in her own grounding...2024-05-2429 minInspire-Ability#43 Katy Lee - Line in the SandOur next guest is Katy Lee MBE: a First Officer on the 737-800, RAF Air Training Corps officer, and Chair of Trustees for the charity Aviation in Reach. Such a passion for flying is unsurprising given Katy’s upbringing by her flight crew parents - Katy was able to pursue this passion despite academic pressures in school, by heading straight to flying school as opposed to university. Together with fellow commercial pilot Harriett, she discusses some of the challenges that she faced in her training, as well as the positive impact that gender neutral language and policies can ha...2024-05-1728 minInspire-Ability#42 Dr Catherine Ruddick - Never Too LateIn the final part of our conversation with Dr Catherine Ruddick, she discusses with Harriett how therapy and communication has helped her to confront the well-intentioned but unhelpful coping strategies she had developed in childhood. These new strategies have led to Catherine’s increased mental resilience, which has been vital in bouncing back and reaching out when at a low ebb. In an emotional closing to our conversation, Catherine also opens up on her feeling of being “different”, both as a woman in the Army but especially as a gay woman, at a time when it was still ‘incompat...2024-05-1028 minInspire-Ability#41 Dr Catherine Ruddick - Trust the ProcessFor the third part of our conversation with Dr Catherine Ruddick, we learn about how opening up about mental health struggles can have a transformative effect on quality of life. Catherine describes to Harriett how her first experience of verbalising these struggles with a therapist at Headley Court has led to a healthier lifestyle with open dialogues. This took on a greater significance when Catherine was medically discharged from the Army, and had to find a new career. Having found her new calling as a GP, Catherine describes the challenges and delays that marked her journey towards her...2024-05-0329 minInspire-Ability#40 Dr Catherine Ruddick - Keeping My PassionFor the second part of our conversation with Dr Catherine Ruddick, she discusses how her foray into physiotherapy reawakened a medical passion, and coincided with an inexorable pull back to military life. Having joined the Territorial Army, Catherine was able to complete the training required to become a surgeon in the Armed Forces. However, despite these successes, she shares with Harriett how this still led to an identity crisis, and mental health struggles. In her recuperation time, Catherine embarked on a journey to “find me”, and discusses the things she learned: the importance of being assertive in saying no w...2024-04-2627 minInspire-Ability#39 Dr Catherine Ruddick - Switching FocusIn the first of our episodes in conversation with Dr Catherine Ruddick, we hear how Catherine was fixated on flying from a young age, growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. Moving quickly from the Air Cadets, through a University Air Squadron, Catherine was successful in her application to the RAF. Her career as a prospective Navigator was cut short by injury however, and she discusses with Harriett how her response to the setback of a medical discharge, and how her upbringing taught her to reframe these challenges, and believe that “you can do anything that you wa...2024-04-1930 minInspire-Ability#38 Brian Wheeler - Invite the ChallengeIn the final part of our conversation with Brian Wheeler, attention turns to his recovery; having fought the odds by even walking again, he describes his journey back to running, culminating in a half marathon. In more recent years, Brian has also returned to flying, and even celebrated the 5th anniversary of being told he would never walk again, by walking the length of a marathon around New York City. Throughout, Brian is candid in describing the physical struggles he has faced, as well as challenging the perceptions around hidden disability. Other topics of discussion include the importance...2024-04-1227 minInspire-Ability#37 Brian Wheeler - Cantankerous PatientHaving overcome the prognosis of never walking again, Brian describes how his recovery was further disrupted by more uncertainty around his health. Yet, these challenges were met by Brian’s indomitable stubbornness, and also the friendships made with fellow patients, such as Tariq. In refusing to be cowed by the adversity he faced, Brian became a self-described ‘cantankerous old git’, and there is perhaps no better example than when he refused to follow his hospital’s instructions to pick a wheelchair “for the rest of your life”. In more candid conversation, Brian and Har...2024-04-0531 minInspire-Ability#36 Brian Wheeler - “We’ll See”In part two of our chat with Brian Wheeler, he and Harriett discuss the role that confidence and perception play in perpetuating the gender gap. Brian reflects on a conversation with a colleague about the reversal of gender balance, and how this helped him to understand the barriers to diversity that remain. From there, Harriett and Brian discuss equity versus equality, leadership, and the toxic influence of technology and social media in the modern age; especially on children. We then learn how, in 2018, Brian’s life was changed when a shattered spinal column dis...2024-03-2929 minInspire-Ability#35 Brian Wheeler - Fail to SucceedOur next guest on Inspire-Ability is Aerobility COO, NATS Deputy General Manager, and disability advocate Brian Wheeler. In the first of four episodes in conversation with Brian, Harriett discusses the impact of his naval upbringing, and how his early dream to fly led to a single-minded pursuit of a British Airways cadetship during his latter schooling. Although this determination would lead to academic struggles, Brian’s passion for flight was little diminished, and an eventful month in the USA allowed him to gain his PPL. Despite this, among other achievements, Brian would have to learn to respond to fa...2024-03-2230 minInspire-Ability#34 Kanchana Gamage - Aspirations through AviationOur final episode with Kanchana explores the importance of pushing beyond your comfort zone, as she tells Harriett: “If you’re always comfortable… you’re not pushing yourself.” More than this, Kanchana’s unique approach to life is to regularly reflect: what will I do this week that’s a little scary? Other themes explored are the responses to imposter syndrome, the crucial differences between equity and equality, and becoming self-aware with regards to stress levels and overall health. We conclude with a reflection on government, and the policy changes that are needed to support the groundwork being implemented by...2024-03-1529 minInspire-Ability#33 Kanchana Gamage -The Aviatrix ProjectIn our second episode in conversation with Kanchana, she explains her approach to retirement from teaching at what was a relatively early age. Before forging a successful career as a lecturer and project founder, Kanchana describes how she had to change her relationship with pursuing achievement, and refocus on growing her resilience. Having received support during her own struggles, we also learn how she now espouses the importance of offering support to others - either as a mentor or a role model. In her post-teaching career, Kanchana was able to complete h...2024-03-0830 minInspire-Ability#32 Kanchana Gamage - Building RunwaysOur third guest in this series of Inspire-Ability is Kanchana Gamage. Once a headteacher in the education sector, Kanchana is now a lecturer and founder of the Aviatrix Project, and in the first of her three episodes, she discusses with Harriett how her early life experiences led to her career path and its subsequent changes. Though Kanchana moved to the UK when she was 15, it was her early childhood in Sri Lanka that would go on to inspire an interest in aviation, and also inform her approaches to family and seizing opportunity. 2024-03-0129 minInspire-Ability#31 Harvey Matthewson - Embracing OpportunitiesIn our final episode with Harvey, he shares with Harriett how he overcame the challenges discussed in episode 6. In coping with this, and as a way of responding to failure, we learn how therapy has positively impacted on Harvey’s daily life, and offered a fresh perspective on other regular challenges. From coming off social media to reconnecting with family, these recent changes have been profound, and have enabled Harvey to focus on his work in managing important advocacy movements for Aerobility, and completing a secondment with NATS. Other themes explored include the difficulties of imposter syndrome, and th...2024-02-2330 minInspire-Ability#30 Harvey Matthewson - One Foot In Front Of The OtherIn our second episode in conversation with Harvey, we learn how a trip to Africa as a teenager led to a change in his life approach. Being thrown in at the deep end as a shy child, Harvey shares how he spent weeks “making friends and making people laugh”, and he came away with a greater awareness of the importance of a support network. In his exit interview, Harvey joked that as a nervous flyer, he “might as well get a pilot’s license”; sure enough, through Aerobility he has found a passion and a community. ...2024-02-1630 minInspire-Ability#29 Harvey Matthewson - Facing FearsOur second guest on this new series of Inspire-Ability is Harvey Matthewson. Anyone that has visited Aerobility in recent years will likely recognise Harvey and his laugh, as he has gone from being a front-desk volunteer, to the Ground Services Manager for Aerobility as well as managing the charity’s Equal Skies Charter advocacy initiative. In the first of three episodes in conversation with Harvey, we learn how his early years were formative both for himself, but also his family. He shares with Harriett the barriers that he faced in primary school, as his cerebral palsy began to af...2024-02-0929 minInspire-Ability#28 Emma Henderson - Tea and EmpathyIn the final part of our conversation with Captain Emma Henderson MBE, we learn how implementing the changes discussed in episode 3, meant that Emma “breezed” through her second Command Course, and she discusses with Harriett how these changes went on to make her a better airline Captain. It was not all plain sailing for Emma however, as we learn the shocking details of her brother-in-law’s kidnap in Colombia, and how she and her family learned to cope with their lack of control over such an ordeal. More recently, we learn how the...2024-02-0229 minInspire-Ability#27 Emma Henderson - Behind the Bulletproof DoorIn the third offering from our conversation with Captain Emma Henderson, she expands on our previous episode’s ‘capacity bucket’ theory, and discusses the importance of accepting help when it is offered. Having suffered from demyelinating neuropathies and being told she may spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair, Emma describes how she was “lucky to survive”, and yet felt a need to keep flying up until the point her ailments proved debilitating, in order not to “let the side down”. In an open and frank conversation, Emma opens up to Harriett a...2024-01-2629 minInspire-Ability#26 Emma Henderson - Capacity BucketIn the second episode of series 2, Emma shares how her love of flying first began at the age of 18, and how a series of coincidences led to her joining a University Air Squadron; having also met her husband on UAS, and moving to New Zealand to support his RAF career, she was able to resume her flying lessons - but under one condition: “if I start flying again, I’m not stopping.” Emma shares how this led to a career as a commercial pilot upon returning to the UK, and all of the challenges that ha...2024-01-1930 minInspire-Ability#25 Emma Henderson - I’ll Do ItInspire-Ability is back for a second series! Our first guest is Captain Emma Henderson MBE who chats to our host Harriett about her life, from being a military spouse through to starring in ‘Inside the Cockpit’ while a Captain with easyJet. In this first episode, Emma reflects on her childhood and the sources of inspiration that she drew on. We also learn how change can bring huge opportunities, after her husband’s RAF career took their family across the world to New Zealand. In what she describes as the “best years of our life”, Emma was able to reignite h...2024-01-1230 minInspire-Ability#24 Tetyana Shevchenko - Living HistoryIn the final part of our chat with Tetyana, she and Harriett discuss women in aviation, from the lack of role models for girls to the dearth of aviation in education. Tetyana is a key proponent of the importance of airshows for inspiring young aviators, and she explains the challenges now that there are more pathways for girls into flying, but fewer airshows at which to inspire them. Role models is a key theme in this episode: Tetyana reflects on how she lacked her own when growing up, and is prompted to consider her own role now in...2023-09-0832 minInspire-Ability#23 Tetyana Shevchenko - A Bigger PurposeIn the third part of our conversation with Tetyana Shevchenko, we hear how she approached “fitting in”, after concerns were raised that her short stature would limit her ability to fly classic jets. In this particularly literal case, Tetyana adapted herself to her surroundings to achieve success, and she reflects on the importance of resilience - especially in the complex world of heritage aircraft operations. The capacity of heritage aircraft to help re-establish “world-leading aviation” in Britain is also discussed, as well as Tetyana’s role as a UK Aviation Ambassador for the Dep...2023-09-0122 minInspire-Ability#22 Tetyana Shevchenko - Aviate, Vegetate, Communicate!In our second episode with Tetyana Shevchenko, the focus is on learning and managing stress levels in a learning environment. We hear about the importance of building a support network and working with other people, as well as the importance of mental health and how being aware of it helps minimise the pressures you might put on yourself. Tetyana prefers instead to “vegetate”, to de-stress and enjoy natural environments; these skills can then be applied to all areas - in Tetyana’s case to the world of heritage jet flying! Much like her discovery of the B-52, it was a...2023-08-2530 minInspire-Ability#21 Tetyana Shevchenko - Eyes Wide OpenOur next guest in the series, Tetyana Shevchenko is an experienced pilot, and the only female heritage jet pilot flying the Jet Provost. She discusses with Harriett how her behaviour has changed from childhood, when she had been a sickly child that struggled in social situations. Having grown up in Ukraine, Tetyana then moved to the UK to become a software engineer, and it was a chance encounter with a B-52 Stratofortress at the Imperial War Museum Duxford, that inspired an interest in learning to fly. Tetyana discusses the hurdles she faced in gaining her PPL, and how...2023-08-1828 minInspire-Ability#20 Mike Miller-Smith - Nothing is ImpossibleThis is the final part of our trilogy with Mike Miller-Smith, the “Accidental CEO” of Aerobility. Having discussed the past, Mike talks about the future with Harriett, and reflects on some of the challenges of integrating disabled people into aviation operations. He is drawn on subjects relating to leadership and people management, and we hear the importance of empathy and in understanding a diverse range of viewpoints when implementing a decision. Despite his many successes, Mike is still susceptible to imposter syndrome, however he is clear in maintaining that a little self...2023-08-1119 minInspire-Ability#19 Mike Miller-Smith - Retaking ControlIn the second part of our conversation with Aerobility CEO Mike Miller-Smith, we hear how Mike “recalibrated” to use his chair, and how it actually enabled him to get his previous lifestyle back. Along the way, we learn how a piece of lunar technology keeps Mike on the move, and how first-hand experience of the use of a hoist to keep flying reinforced the importance of a flying charity for “opening the door” to show what disabled people might achieve. From the early days with the ‘British Disabled Flying Club’ and their first aircraft, through to opening the London 2012...2023-08-0421 minInspire-Ability#18 Mike Miller-Smith - The Fight to FlyIn the first of three episodes in conversation with Aerobility CEO Mike Miller-Smith, we hear how a lifelong interest in aviation looked set to culminate in a career as an airline pilot, until a gradually developing health condition changed his course entirely. Mike reflects on his time at university, where despite having to respond to a failure in applying for an airline cadetship, he was still a successful member of the British Gliding Team and spent time abroad at competition events. It was in the following few years however, that an increasing physical weakness was eventually diagnosed as...2023-07-2822 minInspire-Ability#17 Brian Penfold - Master of My Own DestinyThe final part of our conversation with retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Brian Penfold, in which he discusses the impact of health anxiety, and the importance of taking control before it changes your behaviour. Brian discusses the importance of charity, and his own motivations for beginning fundraising in the 1980s with his daughter’s diagnosis with leukaemia at the age of 3; being driven by a need to help in any way he can, Brian founded the Forces Children Support Group in the eighties, and has since earned the British Empire Medal for services to charity. We also hear Brian’s ti...2023-07-2137 minInspire-Ability#16 Brian Penfold - Look ForwardIn the third of four episodes in conversation with Brian Penfold, Harriett discusses how life changed following his life-changing diagnosis with an incurable form of leukaemia. We then hear how Brian received a further setback with another “buy one get one free” diagnosis a few years later, when a routine blood check up indicated an unrelated cancer in his prostate. Few of us will face these personal health difficulties, however Brian offers his coping mechanisms and discusses the importance of a pragmatic response when receiving these diagnoses. We also hear how impor...2023-07-1431 minInspire-Ability#15 Brian Penfold - A Helping HandIn the second part of our conversation with former Army Lieutenant Colonel Brian Penfold, we hear how he began his rehabilitation from a life-changing accident while on deployment. Never one to sit idle, Brian recalls that while recuperating he began his Masters in Aviation Safety Engineering alongside undertaking a 24/7 role with the Army’s Special Projects team. During this busy period however, a routine blood test prior to further surgery led to a sudden diagnosis with a rare and incurable form of leukaemia. Brian is extremely forthright in reflecting on how his...2023-07-0727 minInspire-Ability#14 Brian Penfold - Route to SuccessThe first episode of our four-part interview with retired Lieutenant Colonel Brian Penfold, whose Army career spanned nearly four decades and saw him become one of the most “trained” officers in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME). Brian talks us through his career, from joining the Army and learning the importance of teamwork and seizing opportunity, through to transferring to the Army Air Corps and applying to become a pilot. Along the way, Brian has overcome disappointment and failure, and we hear how he reflects on these setbacks and how to use these moments to succeed in the f...2023-06-3034 minInspire-Ability#13 Neil Tucker - Wings of PrideIn the final part of our conversation with Neil Tucker, we hear the positive mental impact that flying has had on his day-to-day life, and the significance of having a passion to immerse yourself in. Neil describes how he has been able to combine his passion with a sense of duty to give back to the “aviation community centre” that helped transform his recovery: from his current role as a Trustee of Aerobility, to bringing “Eileen’s Dog” back from Australia.Along with his aspirations for the future, he discusses with Harriett t...2023-06-2337 minInspire-Ability#12 Neil Tucker - Prescription for PositivityIn this episode, Neil reflects on his recovery from a life-changing accident and the importance of focusing on incremental progress. With typical good humour, Neil describes how Aerobility gave his life its “sparkle” back, and how he overcame some of the challenges he faced when re-soloing. We also hear how a prescription for a “dose of PMA” was an unexpected success, and the subsequent role that mindfulness can play in managing chronic pain and disability. Episodes released every Friday afternoon. Available as a subtitled video format on our Youtube channel: https...2023-06-1632 minInspire-Ability#11 Neil Tucker - Attitude of GratitudeThe first part of our conversation with Neil Tucker, a trustee of Aerobility and a self-described “propeller-head”. A life-long lover of aviation, it took 35 ‘gap-years’ and a serious motorcycle accident before he re-gained his wings with Aerobility. In this episode, we hear about how Neil overcame the initial adversity of his life-changing accident and subsequent disability, as well as how his response to failure has led to a “lifelong commitment to optimism”. Episodes released every Friday afternoon. Available as a subtitled video format on our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c...2023-06-0929 minInspire-Ability#10 Brian Jones - Winds of HopeIn the final part of our conversation with Brian Jones, we hear how the team was received by the press upon landing. From oblivious dignitaries in Egypt to meeting astronauts, Presidents and royalty, Brian reflects with Harriett as to whether or not he was changed by the celebrity experience. In an emotional retrospective, we hear how both Breitling pilots were affected by the disparity of their own privilege, and how this inspired Brian to make a change through charity: from vital work in Africa, to bringing the joy of balloon flying t...2023-06-0225 minInspire-Ability#9 Brian Jones - The Only Sure Way to Fail is to QuitIn this episode, Brian discusses some of the challenges and unexpected life-threatening situations that he and Bertrand Piccard faced during their record-breaking circumnavigation. He describes the importance of feeding off your team, and how Piccard later said of their flight, that there was “Three of us… there was Brian, there was me, and there was both of us. And it was both of us that made the decisions.”Brian also shares how he dealt with decision-making under pressure, and why the team chose to continue across the Atlantic, despite a perilous fuel s...2023-05-2625 minInspire-Ability#8 Brian Jones - Pilots, Friends, BrothersThe first part of our interview with balloonist Brian Jones, who in 1999 was part of the Breitling Orbiter 3 team that was the first to circumnavigate the world by hot air balloon. In this episode, Brian describes his journey, from an inauspicious start in the RAF as a clerk with no O Levels, to a fully-qualified pilot, and how a chance encounter ignited a love of ballooning. Along the way, Brian explains the importance of Crew Resource Management to maintaining harmony within a team, the importance of trust and respect, and how these factors came into play during 3 weeks...2023-05-1933 minInspire-Ability#7 James Ketchell - It's All MentalThe final episode in conversation with adventurer and motivational speaker, James Ketchell. Following successful expeditions around the world, James overcame a trio of incidents that led to dramatic rescues from the middle of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, before conquering these setbacks to once again circumnavigate the globe, this time by autogyro. Hear how James handled these failures and dealt with his imposter syndrome, and how a “growth mindset” can help you overcome any adversity.Episodes released every Friday afternoon. Available as a subtitled video format on our Youtube channel: ht...2023-05-1237 minInspire-Ability#6 James Ketchell - The Ultimate TriathlonIn this third instalment of James Ketchell’s fascinating chat with Harriett, he reflects on how life changed (or didn’t) following his successful solo row across the Atlantic. He describes finding his “calling” in a life of adventure, despite a life-threatening ordeal descending from the summit of Everest. Tune in next week for the fourth and final episode with James.2023-05-0524 minInspire-Ability#5 James Ketchell - Defining MomentHaving successfully rowed across the Atlantic solo, James Ketchell’s life was changed forever when he became dedicated to a life of adventure and personal endeavour. From the isolation of the mid-Atlantic to the ice ladders of Mount Everest, James shares the importance of marginal gains and staying motivated, and how approaching challenges one day at a time can help you overcome any obstacle.2023-03-3126 minInspire-Ability#4 James Ketchell - A Second ChanceFollowing a serious motorcycle accident, James Ketchell’s outlook on life was permanently changed. In the first of a four-part interview, James discusses how he went from a hospital bed to rowing across the Atlantic solo; along the way, he shares his secrets to staying motivated, and the importance of mentors and accepting help and advice.2023-03-3131 minInspire-Ability#1 Liz McConaghy - A Sense of PurposeThe rebooted series of Inspire-Ability kicks off with a completely compelling interview with Liz McConaghy. From a small town in County Down to the front lines of Iraq and Afghanistan, RAF veteran Liz McConaghy shares with us her journey to the front line, and 17-year career as a Chinook Crewman. As the only woman in her intake, and the youngest aircrew in Iraq, Liz has faced her fair share of adversity, and in this two-part interview she discusses the strengths of embracing diversity, and how being the “best person for the job” is what matters in a warzone.2023-03-3121 minInspire-Ability#2 Liz McConaghy - Through AdversityLiz discusses her adjustment from active service to civilian life, and the mental health struggles that have affected her along the way. This frank and honest conversation sheds light on how she now has overcome the adversity that almost led to the loss of her life, and how changing your approach to failure can improve your resilience and help you move forward in life.Trigger warning: suicide and mental health (Samaritans 116 123, National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK 0800 689 5652, Veterans Crisis call 988 or text 838255).2023-03-3126 minInspire-Ability#3 Suzy Morgan - Blazing a TrailHaving flown for the first time on her father’s knee at the age of 4, Suzy Morgan’s passion for flying really took off through her University Air Squadron, and has led to a trailblazing career from short-haul aircraft at British Midland, and becoming a Captain on the Boeing 777 for a leading British airline. Suzy discusses the role of women in aviation and the importance of diversity, as well as promoting a healthy discussion of the menopause and maternity rights in the airline industry.2023-03-3129 min
Unexpected TurnsQ&A with Brian Wheeler-defying the medics
Did Brian complete his challenge? Today he tells us how he got on and answers some of the many questions you sent in. But what has he been up to since? Listen in and find out at the end of this episode.
Join Anne, Bev and Julie in the first of our Question & Answer shows. Today Brian Wheeler a competitive runner, rower and pilot who became paralysed overnight is back to answer your questions. Having been told he was unlikely to ever walk again Brian set about defying medical logic. Not only was Brian...2023-03-0745 minUnexpected TurnsUnexpected Turns Brian Wheeler: defying the odds
Unexpected Turns delves into the lives of the bold, brave truly inspirational people whose lives have taken an unexpected turn. Brian describes his journey as a catalogue of failure and rejection, yet against all odds and defying medical logic he has truimphed. A competitive runner and rower Brian became paralysed overnight. Join Anne, Bev and Julie to hear his incredible story, of overcoming paralysis in order to run and fly again. His determination to walk and support others has resulted in him raising thousands of pounds for Aerobility, the Charity which enables all abilities to fly. Th...2023-03-0643 min
Physics World Stories PodcastMaking spaceflight accessible to people with physical disabilities
The European Space Agency (ESA) recently made history by selecting John McFall – an amputee, Paralympic sprinter and medical scientist – among its latest cohort of astronauts. McFall’s inclusion is part of an ESA parastronaut feasibility project for making human spaceflight accessible to people with physical disabilities. In the latest episode of the Physics World Stories podcast, people involved in this initiative explain why making space more accessible is not only fair but also the very essence of exploration.
The first guest is Mike Miller-Smith, chief executive of Aerobility, a UK-based charity that helps people with any disability to fly...2023-01-3144 minUnexpected TurnsBrian Wheeler Q & A Ep4 TrailerJoin Anne, Bev and Julie in the first of our Question & Answer shows. Today Brian Wheeler a competitive runner, rower and pilot who became paralysed overnight is back to answer your questions. Having been told he was unlikely to ever walk again Brian set about defying medical logic. Not only was Brian determined to get out of his wheelchair and walk he wanted to run and fly again. Now a trustee for Aerobility, a charity which allows people with disabilities to fly, he set himself the target of running a half marathon to raise awareness and funds for Aerobility...2021-11-1300 min
The Aerobility PodcastInspire-ability with John NicholJohn Nichol is an author, broadcaster and former RAF navigator best known for his book Tornado Down, his account of being a prisoner of war under Saddam Hussein during the Gulf war.
John is joining Aerobility to talk about the Tornado and his new book Tornado - in the eye of the storm. The book tells the story of the RAF Tornado force and their families during the Gulf war.2021-07-231h 26The Aerobility PodcastInspire-ability with Liz McConaghyYou may have seen Liz McConaghy on your screens as the roving reporter for Aerobility's Armchair Airshow 2021. Now Liz is making her Inspire-Ability debut! Before joining Aerobility in 2019, Liz spent 18 years in the Royal Airforce as a Chinook crewman. In that time she completed 2 tours of Iraq and 10 of Afghanistan. Join Aerobility as Liz regales us with stories of her interesting postal rounds and time with the MERT teams.2021-06-281h 12The Aerobility PodcastInspire-ability Brian WheelerJoin Aerobility for another Inspire-ability talk. Brian Wheeler is a Trustee at Aerobility and, having joined the RAF as an Air Traffic Controler in 1992, Brian is now a senior manager at NATS. In 2018 Brian suffered a life changing spinal cord injury which put his active lifestyle and career on hold. Having been told that he may never walk again, listen in amazment as Brian regales us with stories of how he has proved the doctors wrong and continues to do so.2021-06-281h 18
For Flying Out LoudAerobility Charity - If I can fly an aeroplane, what else can I do?If you enjoy this episode, please consider showing your support at this link :) Being able to take flight and pilot an aircraft is something that any pilot feels incredibly privileged to do. The airborne environment is one that I’ve often referred to as one of “active meditation” - a place where many of the pressures and challenges of life on the ground simply melt away. I have been so lucky throughout my aviation career; the only real barrier to me achieving my dream to become a fighter pilot and beyond, being hard...2021-05-161h 38