Lies My Ego Told Me Ep. 17: I can Carry the Weight, with Theresa Claiborne
Jan 20, 2026
01:07:11
Season two of Lies My Ego Told Me takes off with aviation trailblazer Theresa “TC” Claiborne, the first Black woman to graduate from U.S. Air Force pilot training. She shares the lie that shaped her life: “I can carry the weight.” From being deliberately minimized at a historic milestone to proving herself again and again in the cockpit and beyond, Theresa opens up about invisibility, the quiet pressure of being “the first,” and why she now sees that weight as both burden and gift.
In this episode:
Who is Theresa “TC” Claiborne?
Theresa “TC” Claiborne is an aviation pioneer who became the first Black woman to graduate from U.S. Air Force pilot training. She later flew for United Airlines for more than 34 years, retiring in May 2024 as a Boeing 787 Captain.
What is Theresa Claiborne known for?
She is known for breaking barriers in military aviation, serving as a KC-135 pilot in the Air Force and Reserves, and becoming a long-tenured United Airlines captain while advocating for representation, mentorship, and equity in aviation.
Why wasn’t Theresa Claiborne’s graduation widely celebrated?
Theresa describes how media interest was high, but decisions were made to limit coverage—minimizing her achievement despite its historic significance and impact.
What advice does Theresa give to people carrying heavy responsibility?
Theresa encourages people to keep moving forward, lean on community, and remember they don’t have to carry everything alone—while still honoring the reality that the burden is often placed unfairly.
Resources & Links
For more resources: liesmyego.com
In this episode:
Who is Theresa “TC” Claiborne?
Theresa “TC” Claiborne is an aviation pioneer who became the first Black woman to graduate from U.S. Air Force pilot training. She later flew for United Airlines for more than 34 years, retiring in May 2024 as a Boeing 787 Captain.
What is Theresa Claiborne known for?
She is known for breaking barriers in military aviation, serving as a KC-135 pilot in the Air Force and Reserves, and becoming a long-tenured United Airlines captain while advocating for representation, mentorship, and equity in aviation.
Why wasn’t Theresa Claiborne’s graduation widely celebrated?
Theresa describes how media interest was high, but decisions were made to limit coverage—minimizing her achievement despite its historic significance and impact.
What advice does Theresa give to people carrying heavy responsibility?
Theresa encourages people to keep moving forward, lean on community, and remember they don’t have to carry everything alone—while still honoring the reality that the burden is often placed unfairly.
Resources & Links
- Show: Lies My Ego Told Me
- Episode page, resources, and links: liesmyego.com
- Leave a 5-star rating and written review on Apple Podcasts to support the show.
For more resources: liesmyego.com