To fly a plane, pilots must prove to the Federal Aviation Administration that they’re physically and mentally fit. But when it comes to mental health, the rules are complicated and, some say, outdated.
Pilots who need antidepressants are limited to a short list of approved medications and must take a mandatory six-month leave. Even common diagnoses like anxi ... Show More
Aug 19
The Internet Taught Me to Diet, Then Saved Me With Weightlifting
Casey Johnston grew up in a family where being thin mattered. In college, the internet told her to eat 1,200 calories and do endless cardio if she wanted to lose weight. That habit followed her into her late twenties, until she came upon a Reddit post about weightlifting that cha ... Show More
54m 57s
Aug 12
He’ll Move Your Couch, and Keep Your Secrets
Adonis Williams has been a mover in New York City for 20 years. He says he's moved about 3,500 people, and with each move, he catches a glimpse of a life in transition. There are the happy moves: getting a bigger place, couples moving in together, kids going off to college. There ... Show More
39m 48s
Aug 5
How the Ultra-Rich Think…and What They Fear
Evan Osnos has spent nearly his whole life observing the habits, values, and norms of the wealthy elite, from his childhood in suburban Connecticut to the years he spent reporting on the mega-yachts and underground bunkers of the U.S.’s richest citizens. This week, he talks to An ... Show More
59m 1s
Mar 2025
The Sunday Read: ‘Why Airline Pilots Feel Pushed to Hide Their Mental Illness’
Troy Merritt, a pilot for a major U.S. airline, returned from his 30th birthday trip in Croatia in October 2022 — sailing on a catamaran, eating great food, socializing with friends — and cried. This wasn’t back-to-work blues but collapsed-on-the-floor, full-body-shaking misery. ... Show More
47m 52s
Nov 2024
90. How to abolish the 3rd class medical, with Brent Blue
The success of BasicMed proves the third class medical is obsolete—that’s according to senior AME Brent Blue. He covers a wide range of medical topics in this episode, including how to fill out the FAA medical application, what the latest rules are on mental health treatment, and ... Show More
38m 51s
Aug 2024
OB346: Big Brother is Watching You
Episode 346 Show Notes Topic of the show: On this week’s show, AG and RH discuss ADS-C and the information available to non-US controllers, busy tracon controller communication issues, and a mountain of Patron feedback. We also share our views and opinions about a recent inte ... Show More
1h 18m
Nov 2023
Hear Me Out: Psychiatry Alone Can’t Heal You Completely
On today’s episode of Hear Me Out… great, but not enough.
Mental health is on a lot of minds as we enter the holiday season — a time when we know many people struggle.
So this week, we talk candidly about what it means to treat mental illness… and what it should mean, if we want ... Show More
41m 24s