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Artwork for Ready 4 Pushback

Ready 4 Pushback

Nik Fialka
Aviation
Aviation Industry
Pilot Training
Flight Training
Career Opportunities
Interview Preparation
Mentorship
Crew Resource Management
Networking
Career Development
Aviation Safety
Job Interviews
Leadership
Commercial Aviation
Pilot Hiring
Pilot Career Development
Aviation Careers
American Airlines
United Airlines
Pilot Career Opportunities

If you're looking to enter the commercial aviation industry, we've got the right podcast for you! With pilot and interview coach Nik Fialka as your host, we will deliver exceptional and insightful content to help you understand the landscape of professional aviation. We will help you organize your thoughts, score interview points, and ace the aviation recruitment process. You will get a deep dive ... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes356Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
LeisureBusinessCareersAviation

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Artwork for Ready 4 Pushback

Latest Episodes

Nik returns in this solo show with a clear message: think before you speak. While that advice applies in the air with the push-to-talk switch, it's just as critical in an interview setting. Rather than relying on improvisation in the moment, he encou... more

In this Ready for Pushback episode, Nik reconnects with wide‑body captain and Trident Home Loans owner Marty Medve to talk about building a financial legacy beyond the cockpit. Marty breaks down how today's high rates, low inventory, and hot pilot hu... more

On today's solo episode, Nik draws on a powerful excerpt from John Steinbeck to highlight the excellence, discipline, and consistency demanded of aviation professionals. While today's pilots may differ from the Vietnam-era aviators who left Steinbeck... more

YouTube

In this special on-location episode, Nik sits down with Ted Kyriopoulos, Commanding Officer of the VR-58 "Sun Seekers," moments after his change-of-command ceremony at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, FL. Ted shares his aviation journey – from early f... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Ted Kyriopoulos
Commander, Sun Seekers VR-58
Navy Reserve VR-58
Episode: Ep 351 Commanding a Navy Reserve Squadron with Ted Kyriopoulos
Doug Mitchell
Head of Pray Aviation Ozark operations; veteran flight educator
Pray Aviation
Episode: Ep 349 Using the GI Bill to Kickstart Your Career with Pray Aviation
Tysen Pina
Aviation Department Head at Kansas State University
Kansas State University
Episode: Ep 347 Developing Aviation Professionals at Kansas State University with Ty Pina
Chris Hibben
Owner of JetGlow aviation detailing
JetGlow Aviation
Episode: Ep 345 Professional Aircraft Detailing with Chris Hibben and JetGlow Aviation
Vincent Cheval
C-130 pilot in the Montana Air National Guard
Montana Air National Guard
Episode: Ep 343 Serving Your Country and Passengers: The Air National Guard and Part 121 Life
Marla Faison
Professor of Aviation at Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City State University
Episode: Ep. 341 Professor, Pilot, Pathfinder: How Marla Faison Lifts Future Aviators at ECSU
Guilherme Ramos
SIC and Phenom pilot for a medical company handling transplant logistics
MedVec (medical company)
Episode: Ep. 339 No Passengers, Just Purpose: The High-Stakes Life of an Organ Transplant Pilot
Nate Jaenichen
Former Marine Corps helicopter pilot, call sign Kiwi
Military aviation to civilian air ambulance
Episode: Ep. 337 Networking on Empty: Navigating the Hiring Landscape as an Introverted Pilot
Gonzalo Zulueta
Instagram influencer and actor turned pilot
Episode: Ep. 335 From Side Hustles to CFI Sky Hustle: Gonzalo Zulueta's Path from Acting to Aviation

Host

Nik Fialka
Host of Ready 4 Pushback, frequently presents solo guidance and hosts guests; focuses on aviation career development and interview coaching.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 1.2k ratings
  • A great show for aviators in all stages of life

    Nik’s show has been a great resource as I look to move from military to civilian aviation. Thanks for a great show!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Rdcook89
    United States5 months ago
  • Great Insights

    Nik is a fantastic human being who always has good info. He brings in some amazing guests that provide great insight into the industry.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Wheels004
    United States5 months ago
  • My #1 ✈️ Podcast

    You can tell this guy genuinely cares about getting others to their dream flying job. Specific techniques to land your interview, All the top guests, Authentic stories that will get you fired up about the dream !✈️

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    B Sheets
    United States5 months ago
  • Great pilot community

    Nik shares some great insights from his experiences. He is fun to listen to solo and with guests he brings in. Really positive and helpful information for the pilot community.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    TashyM
    United States5 months ago
  • Motivating and Engaging

    Nik does a great job of keeping listeners up to date on the latest with the airline industry and hiring. His guests include key industry personnel that you would otherwise not likely have the opportunity to engage with. The podcast is both informative and motivating for pilots, or aspiring pilots, that want to join the airline industry. Keep up the great work Nik!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jpmizzou
    United States5 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise actionable, real-world guidance for pilots at all levels.
Episodes are helpful for transitioning from military to civilian aviation and building interview skills.
Guests bring diverse aviation expertise, keeping content fresh and relevant.
The show is motivating and community-driven, with honest insights into the hiring process.
Content is consistently valuable for aspiring pilots seeking concrete steps and motivation.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#13
United States/Leisure/Aviation
Apple Podcasts
#240
United States/Leisure
Apple Podcasts
#102
United Kingdom/Leisure/Aviation
Apple Podcasts
#110
Canada/Leisure/Aviation
Apple Podcasts
#54
Italy/Leisure/Aviation
Apple Podcasts
#71
France/Leisure/Aviation

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ep 349 Using the GI Bill to Kickstart Your Career with Pray Aviation
Q: What are realistic costs for getting a private pilot license, and how should one plan financially?
Around $14,500 for a private pilot certificate including flight time, ground school, insurance, and tests; plan to train consistently, budget ahead, and consider scholarships to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Ep 349 Using the GI Bill to Kickstart Your Career with Pray Aviation
Q: What is the process to start using the GI Bill for flight training?
Obtain the Certificate of Eligibility from the VA, then enroll in a 141 program and have the VA bill processed directly if post-911 line of benefits; be prepared with a second-class FAA medical and a clear budget.
Ep 347 Developing Aviation Professionals at Kansas State University with Ty Pina
Q: Tell the pilot listening who you are and a little bit about yourself.
I'm Tysen Pina, Aviation Department Head at Kansas State University. I oversee three campuses and a program designed to give learners a spectrum of options from beginning aviation through advanced training, with a strong emphasis on mentorship, leadership development, and practical readiness for industry roles.
Ep. 341 Professor, Pilot, Pathfinder: How Marla Faison Lifts Future Aviators at ECSU
Q: Tell me about Elizabeth City and why you think that is the way to accomplish your goals in aviation.
The university stands out due to its affordability under the NC Promise program, its comprehensive aviation offerings (pilot training, air traffic control, and management), and strong industry partnerships that provide direct-entry paths to airlines after earning hours and maintaining good GPAs.
Ep. 329 Mission Briefs, Interview Rooms and Shark Tanks
Q: Did you bring Shark Tank up in your interview?
I kept it low-key on the resume, and when it came up during the interview, I discussed it briefly as part of my broader achievements.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Ready 4 Pushback

What is Ready 4 Pushback about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show centers on practical pathways into commercial aviation, with a host who coaches pilots through interviews, career strategy, and the recruitment process. Episodes span funding and training paths (including veteran benefits), building hours and experience, university and CRM-focused programs, and translating flight-duty experience into airline opportunities. A strong throughline is actionable guidance: resume and logbook prep, interview tips, networking, and real-world narratives from pilots, educators, and industry professionals. Notable for its mix of veteran-focused finance advice, education-system perspectives, and hands-on tactics for navigating disruptions, it's especially valuable for aspiring aviators at military-to-civilian ... more

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How many listeners does Ready 4 Pushback get?

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Which podcasts are similar to Ready 4 Pushback?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Ready 4 Pushback:

1. 21.FIVE - Professional Pilots Podcast
2. Pilot to Pilot
3. Passive Income Pilots
4. Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's
5. Aviation News Talk – Pilot Stories, Safety Tips & General Aviation News

How many episodes of Ready 4 Pushback are there?

Ready 4 Pushback launched 3 years ago and published 356 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Ready 4 Pushback?

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What guests have appeared on Ready 4 Pushback?

Recent guests on Ready 4 Pushback include:

1. Ted Kyriopoulos
2. Doug Mitchell
3. Tysen Pina
4. Chris Hibben
5. Vincent Cheval
6. Marla Faison
7. Guilherme Ramos
8. Nate Jaenichen

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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