Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode Tony Peralta's story is one of redemption and inspiration. At age 31, addicted to drugs and alcohol, Tony realized that he had become a father and needed to straighten out his life. His story will leave you inspired with his big heart and gratitude for life. SHOW NOTES Overcoming Addiction Being Melanie’s Dad 82nd Airborne Gratitude for The People of Skydiving The Importance of Taps Recognizing Moments of Joy JOIN OUR COMMUNITY Love the show? Help support it...
Jan 29, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 25
Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode Welcome Peter Shankman, the visionary founder of Help A Reporter Out (HARO) and ShankMinds, a thriving entrepreneurial community. A globally recognized keynote speaker and author with six bestsellers, Peter is known for his innovative thought leadership. His athletic prowess is equally impressive, including 24 marathons and two Ironman finishes, alongside over 500 skydives. Join us as we explore Peter's entrepreneurial journey, athletic endeavors, and his un...
Jan 22, 2024•55 min•Ep. 24
Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode Eliana Rodriguez, is a revered figure in the skydiving world. Renowned not only for her extraordinary achievements, including 3 World Championships, 21 National titles, and a role in 10 World Records, but also for her remarkable kindness and humility. Her induction into the International Skydiving Hall of Fame in 2022 highlights her 28-year career, distinguished by over 16,000 jumps. Eliana's story is a compelling blend of professional excellence and graciou...
Jan 15, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 23
Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode Matt Davidson is a former US Army Golden Knight with a 27-year service history. He boasts an impressive skydiving record, including 7 World Championships and 12 National Championships in various FS disciplines. Post-retirement, he joined Arizona Airspeed and Paraclete XP8. Beyond skydiving, he's a father, podcast host, writer, artist, DJ, and fitness enthusiast. SHOW NOTES Being Raised in the Military Joining the US Army Golden Knights Dismissal from the Gol...
Jan 08, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 22
Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode Craig O'Brien has accomplished so much that often his title as a 5-time US National Champion and 3-time World Champion is overlooked! This oversight only happens because of the glowing items on his resumé which includes filming the epic skydiving scenes in Iron Man, Iron Man 3, Kingsman, Godzilla, Point Break, the Hangover III, The Bucket List, Charlie’s Angels, and perhaps the most iconic skydiving scene ever filmed - the famous HALO jump out of a C-17 mili...
Jan 01, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 21
Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode In this week's episode, we're joined by Rob Delaney, co-founder of Manufactory Apparel, a leading brand in skydiving fashion. Along with his wife Shelley, they've outfitted teams like the Red Bull Skydiving Team with their innovative gear. Passionate about all air sports, Rob's enthusiasm and positivity shine through at every encounter, making each meeting feel like a joyful reunion. Dive in as we explore the high-flying world of Rob Delaney and his skydivin...
Dec 25, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 20
Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode This episode features Doug Barron, an elite 4-Way Formation Skydiver. Starting at Virginia Tech in 2009, Doug led his collegiate team to unexpected victories at both the US Collegiate and National Championships. He continued his success with Team Skydive Chicago Rhythm XP, notably winning the 2019 US Nationals in a dramatic finish. Presently, Doug and his team aim to win at the US Nationals again, with aspirations for future World Cup and World Meet competit...
Dec 18, 2023•55 min•Ep. 19
Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode Beau Riebe, a renowned air sport athlete, is famous for his exceptional flying skills and passion for aerial freedom, showcased vividly on Instagram. An adventurer at heart, Beau often explores breathtaking locales from Norway's mountains to Utah's canyons, skillfully evading the typical 9 to 5 routine. He's known for guiding newcomers in skydiving as the host of USPA’s Tandem Skydive Risk Waiver video and works with Performance Designs and Flight-1. Despite...
Dec 11, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 18
Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode In this episode of "The 20 Minute Call," we feature Albert Berchtold, Executive Director of the United States Parachute Association. Beginning his skydiving journey in 1999, Albert has accumulated over 6,000 jumps, notably at Skydive Cross Keys in New Jersey and DeLand, Florida. Beyond his aerial accomplishments, Albert has significantly contributed to the sport's marketing and policy development, notably at Performance Designs and the Florida Canopy Pilotin...
Dec 04, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 17
Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode Leah Levy, is a trailblazer in skydiving who defies the conventional by carving out her own niche in the sport. At 27, Leah is a company founder and a respected name in skydiving, collaborating with top industry brands. With over 1,600 jumps, she’s an FAA Senior Rigger and a go-to for military operations, besides being a skilled load organizer. She heads Levity Reimagined and spearheads design at Flying Pig Studios, all while building her own brand with humi...
Nov 27, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 16
Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode Maxine Tate, a UK native and passionate skydiver, began her skydiving journey in university and reignited her love for the sport with a tandem jump in New Zealand. Under the mentorship of Mark Kirkby, she transitioned from a London corporate job to skydiving professionally, representing Australia in the 2008 World Meet and later instructing in the US. Formerly the COO of Flight-1, Maxine now contributes to the sport as part of the Highlight Pro Skydiving Tea...
Nov 20, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode Today, we delve into the life of Efrain Vega de Verona, a skydiver and modern-day humanitarian whose compassion extends beyond thrilling sports. Discover how his deeds, from aiding a grandmother during the New Zealand lockdown to providing relief in Puerto Rico post-Hurricane Maria, exemplify a life lived with purpose. Efrain's journey from a secure job at the Department of Defense to pursuing his passion for travel and philanthropy is a testament to living ...
Nov 13, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode Meet Melanie Curtis: world record skydiver, leader of the Highlight Pro Skydiving team, life coach, author, podcast host, and speaker. Melanie boasts 12,000 jumps and recognition from top media publications. She excels in coaching peak performance and personal freedom, inspiring many towards self-growth. Her story is a testament to passion, dedication, and the pursuit of human potential. Show Notes An Anxious Young Girl A Life Changing First Jump Becoming a ...
Nov 06, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode Buckle up for a fascinating interview with the King of All Boogies, Rich Grimm! You'll be fascinated to learn all that goes on behind the scenes of running the world's most famous boogies (there's a little bit of stress) as well as being a firefighter, DZO and restaurant owner! Rich knows how to tell a good story... buckle up for a great episode! SHOW NOTES Gaining access to the Blue Hole What It Takes To Run an Exotic Boogie Maldives - Planes, Money & L...
Oct 30, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld, also known as "Dan BC" has over 30,000 skydives. He's a three-time world champion, record-setter, and the guiding force behind Skydive Perris's global repute. Beyond his impressive accolades, Dan's enduring legacy is seen in the skydivers he's mentored and his inspiring book, "Above All Else." His journey exemplifies passion, resilience, and the boundless potential of the human spirit. SHOW NOTES Learning about Dan's incredible Mom! A V...
Oct 23, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode In the community of skydiving, Marc Tripari emerges as a luminary. Childhood escapades, like makeshift Superman jumps, paved the way for a 38-year passion, recording over 10,000 jumps. An audacious jump in his mid-20s was more than just youthful bravado; it set his life's trajectory. His unforgettable leap in 1997? A tandem jump diverting to the Kennedy Space Center, a legal whirlwind, and a story now woven into his storied career. Marc is a skydiver's, skyd...
Oct 16, 2023•58 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode In a world dominated by convention, Miles Daisher stands out. Raised in an adventurous Air Force family, he never settled for a regular 9 to 5. Instead, Miles pursued his passion for skydiving and BASE jumping, amassing over 10,000 skydives, 7,000 BASE jumps, and breaking records, including 63 BASE jumps in 24 hours in 2017. He's an innovator in the sport and a member of the prestigious Red Bull Air Force. While he's a thrill-seeker, Miles is also a dedicate...
Oct 09, 2023•1 hr 33 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode On today's episode of the 20 Minute Call, we have a special guest who first caught my attention while watching Conan O'Brien's podcast on YouTube during the pandemic. With her unique hairstyle and quick wit, this woman had me laughing as she playfully debated with Conan about his hypothetical tandem skydiving skills. Since then, I've had the pleasure of getting to know this fascinating individual who has been involved in the world of skydiving for over a dec...
Oct 02, 2023•47 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode Since his first jump in 1984, Mike Vetter has crafted a distinguished career as a skydiving competitor, coach, and multi-dropzone owner. Renowned as the founder of GoJump in Gransee, Germany, and the owner of GoJump America, he runs three respected dropzones in Oceanside, Las Vegas, and Hawaii. His accolades include 12-time Swiss champion, team captain of the Swiss National teams (1991-2004), a 5th place finish at the 2001 World Meet in Spain, and coaching s...
Sep 25, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode In today's episode of "The 20 Minute Call," we're thrilled to feature someone who is nothing short of a legend in the skydiving community: Melissa Nelson. To many, she is simply known as 'Melissa'—a testament to her unmistakable presence and influence in the world of aerial sports. With a reputation as an upbeat force, a vocal leader, and an unapologetic badass in the skies, Melissa's track record is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Here's a snapshot of what ...
Sep 18, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode Born in Tempe, Arizona, Craig Girard made his first jump on March 14, 1981, at Sky Hi-Pioneer DZ, Phoenix, AZ, and has since accumulated over 32,000 jumps. His illustrious career spans more than four decades, and he has won numerous awards and championships, including US National Champion 8-way for an impressive 18 times, and US National Champion 4-way six times. Craig's success in World Cups is equally outstanding, securing five 8-way championships and two ...
Sep 11, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode If you don’t know my guest today, you’ve likely taken a canopy course that was originally designed by him. In the early 2000s, Scott Miller was the face of formal canopy instruction. Using his signature Gatorz, and Keynote on his Mac, he taught thousands of civilian and military skydivers at more than 40 dropzones around the world how to be better, safety pilots. During his 16-year career in the sport, Scott amassed more than 8,500 jumps and served as the ch...
Sep 04, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode Today's guest is a global ambassador for the sport and soon-to-be member of the International Skydiving Hall of Fame. Within months of his introduction to skydiving, Shannon Pilcher began competing in 4-way FS. Between 2003 and 2010 as a 4-way FS and CP competitor, Shannon earned 14 first-place titles and three seconds, broke three world records, and represented the USA at four World Meets and six World Cups. He was integral in defining and promoting canopy ...
Aug 28, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode Keri Bell is a trailblazer in our sport. As a third-generation skydiver, for her, skydiving isn’t a mere choice. It’s a legacy. A legacy that traces back to her grandfather, Lenny Aikins, a World War II pilot who discovered his love for skydiving after his return from Europe. This passion was ingrained in her family's DNA, ultimately shaping Kapowsin Air Sports, a DZ that grew out of the family's initial skydiving club and a place she calls home. Today, Keri...
Aug 28, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode Our first guest is like no other person in the sport due to his incredible enthusiasm, love for the sport and its people. Kamuran “Sonic” Bayrasli is the man behind the famous Ranch Pro Shop . “Buy Baby Buy.” Since making his first jump at a small DZ in New Jersey in 1992, Sonic has accrued more than 7,000 jumps, become a Master Rigger with more than 3000 reserves packed and more than 150 saves. Sonic is also a former AFF Instructor and, at one point, was ev...
Aug 28, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Text Me Your Thoughts On This Episode Hi everyone, it’s James La Barrie from Beyond Marketing. I’m excited to share a passion project that’s been rolling around in my brain for years! A new skydiving podcast called the 20 Minute Call! This podcast is focused on interviews with the people I’m most curious about. I’ll be taking a deep dive with them, not just talking about their skydiving accomplishments, but getting to know them beyond the jumpsuit. The 20 Minute Call is a podcast about the dream...
Aug 02, 2023•1 min0
