
The 20 Minute Call - A Skydiving Podcast
The 20 Minute Call Podcast is a podcast about the dreamers, boundary pushers, rebels and champions of the skydiving industry. Each episode is a narrative journey highlighted by the highs, lows, and luck that the skydiving industry delivers told by the most influential people within the sport.If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a skydiver, opening a DZ or becoming the next world champion, check out The 20 Minute Call hosted by James La Barrie
Latest episodes

Oct 23, 2023 • 1h 25min
Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld - DZM, Skydive Perris
Text Me Your Thoughts On This EpisodeDan 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 Visceral "Dream" | Remembering James LayneOvercoming Survivor's Guilt The Start of Dan's Career in OhioBecoming a DZO A Love for Competition... and Leaving the DZO LifeEstablishing Team Expectations with TeammatesInviting Kirk Verner to Join AirMovesWinning to Realize... It's Not All About WinningDan BC's Skydiving HeroesDan's Daily RoutineA Lifetime of Working OutThe Daily Routine of Being a DZM at Skydive PerrisJumping with James Corden & Tom CruiseDan's Favorite JumpsDan's Pet PeevesBeing a Professional SpeakerAging and MortalityA Crossroads Moment - Meeting Larry HillDAN BC LINKSBook Above All Else - A World Champion Skydiver's Story of Survival and What It Taught Him About Fear, Adversity, and Success(Video) TEDx Flanders - World Skydiving Champion(Video) Free Fall - The Story of Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld(Video) The AirMoves Story(Video) James Corden & Tom Cruise Jump at Skydive Perris(Video) Dan's First Car Jump JOIN OUR COMMUNITYLove the show? Help support it by becoming a member of the 20 Minute Call Community! Supporting the show gives access to a private group page where you can:- suggest who you'd like to hear on the podcast- learn what interviews will be upcoming- submit questions for future guests-receive show swagJoin our community and support the pod!Link: patreon.com/The20MinuteCallPodcastADVERTISEAre you interested in partnering with the 20 Minute Call as an advertiser? Let's work together! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyz

Oct 16, 2023 • 58min
Marc Tripari - DZO, Skydive Newport
Text Me Your Thoughts On This EpisodeIn 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, skydiver and a DZO who takes his responsibility very seriously. SHOW NOTESThe Golden Era of Skydive Space CenterLiving in His Car and Starting a DZGuerilla Marketing for Skydive NewportThe Stressors of Owning a DropzoneJumping Strong vs UPT VectorKeys to Business SuccessWorking with Wife and SonTeaming Up: Working with Wife & SonGuiding Lights: Marc's MentorsTips for Starting a DZHow Skydiving Changed Marc's LifeLanding a Tandem at Kennedy Space CenterColby Callait Music Video at Skydive NewportJOIN OUR COMMUNITYLove the show? Help support it by becoming a member of the 20 Minute Call Community! Supporting the show gives access to a private group page where you can:- suggest who you'd like to hear on the podcast- learn what interviews will be upcoming- submit questions for future guests-receive show swagJoin our community and support the pod!Link: patreon.com/The20MinuteCallPodcastADVERTISEAre you interested in partnering with the 20 Minute Call as an advertiser? Let's work together! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyz

Oct 9, 2023 • 1h 33min
Miles Daisher - Red Bull Air Force
Text Me Your Thoughts On This EpisodeIn 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 dedicated father and husband based in Twin Falls, Idaho, where he mentors upcoming BASE jumpers.SHOW NOTES The Beginning of the JourneyHow Skydiving Saved Miles' SoulMaking His First BASE Jump (head down)Remembering mentor Frank GambalieJoining the Red Bull Air ForceDoing Stunts with Tom CruiseA Gnarly BASE JumpMiles' BASE Jump PreparationWalking Away from a Jump Low Pull off the Perrine Bridge Expectations from Red BullThe Key to Longevity63 BASE Jumps in 24 HoursMEDIA LINKS FROM THIS EPISODEShane McConkey | Trailer Shane McConkey | Documentary Miles Above | Red Bull SeriesBehind the Scenes: Mission Impossible Dead ReckoningHelmet Cam POV - Jumping In the Gaylord National HotelOutside POV - Jumping In the Gaylord National HotelBASE Jump: The Lost City of PetraJOIN OUR COMMUNITYLove the show? Help support it by becoming a member of the 20 Minute Call Community! Supporting the show gives access to a private group page where you can:- suggest who you'd like to hear on the podcast- learn what interviews will be upcoming- submit questions for future guests-receive show swagJoin our community and support the pod!Link: patreon.com/The20MinuteCallPodcastADVERTISEAre you interested in partnering with the 20 Minute Call as an advertiser? Let's work together! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyz

Oct 2, 2023 • 47min
Brittany Gray - Instructor and Activist
Text Me Your Thoughts On This EpisodeOn 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 decade. As a tandem and AFF instructor in upstate New York, she has dedicated herself to sharing her passion for this thrilling sport.But that's not all - this multi-talented guest has a resumé that goes beyond the norm. From being a former roller derby competitor to serving as a college mascot for Canisius College, she constantly seeks out unconventional experiences. And on the weekends, you might even catch her performing as a drag king!With her undeniable talent for writing and her vibrant personality, it's an honor to call this remarkable individual my friend. Join me in welcoming Brittany Gray to the 20-Minute Call podcast!SHOW NOTES Sparring with Conan O'Brien Defying Expectations as a 5'3" Tandem InstructorLeading the Charge in the LGBTQ+ CommunityChampioning Allyship at the DZJOIN OUR COMMUNITYLove the show? Help support it by becoming a member of the 20 Minute Call Community! Supporting the show gives access to a private group page where you can:- suggest who you'd like to hear on the podcast- learn what interviews will be upcoming- submit questions for future guests-receive show swagJoin our community and support the pod!Link: patreon.com/The20MinuteCallPodcastADVERTISEAre you interested in partnering with the 20 Minute Call as an advertiser? Let's work together! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyzGET IN TOUCH!Have ideas for a guest or want to leave us some feedback? We'd love to hear from you! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyz

Sep 25, 2023 • 1h 7min
Mike Vetter: Owner, GoJump America
Text Me Your Thoughts On This EpisodeSince 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 stints with the Austrian national team and the German 8-Way team.This interview, laden with insights from Mike’s illustrious journey and his highs and lows, is a must-listen for Dropzone Managers, Dropzone Owners, and any budding entrepreneur seeking inspiration and valuable lessons.SHOW NOTESThe Importance of FamilyOvercoming Loss and Fear of FailureDaoism: A Life and Business PhilosophySecrets to a Successful DZManaging a Hijacking Book Reference: The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy AnswersManaging Fear Crafting A Company PhilosophyDZO Dangers: Stress and HealthPURCHASE MIKE's BOOKVision & Courage: The GoJump America Story. The American Dream is Only a Dream if it Doesn't Kill You. JOIN OUR COMMUNITYLove the show? Help support it by becoming a member of the 20 Minute Call Community! Supporting the show gives access to a private group page where you can:- suggest who you'd like to hear on the podcast- learn what interviews will be upcoming- submit questions for future guests-receive show swagJoin our community and support the pod!Link: patreon.com/The20MinuteCallPodcastADVERTISEAre you interested in partnering with the 20 Minute Call as an advertiser? Let's work together! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyzGET IN TOUCH!Have ideas for a guest or want to leave us some feedback? We'd love to hear from you! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyz

Sep 18, 2023 • 1h 5min
Melissa Nelson - Highlight Pro Skydiving Member & USPA National Director
Text Me Your Thoughts On This EpisodeIn 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 she brings to the table:A staggering 12,000 skydivesParticipation in 26 World RecordsThree US Nationals Gold MedalsAFF Instructor and PRO Rating holderPioneer of Vertical Formation SkydivingKey member of the Highlight Pro Skydiving TeamServing as a USPA National DirectorOrganizing efforts with Project 19TEDx Speaker3 Times Published AuthorBut beyond this remarkable résumé, Melissa stands out as an embodiment of courage and determination. In this conversation, we delve deeper into what makes Melissa a standout personality, not just in the skydiving world but in life. Tune in to discover more about this incredible woman, whom I'm privileged to call a friend.SHOW NOTES Diving into Legacy: Unraveling Life as Roger Nelson's DaughterAloha Adventure: The Journey from Skydive Chicago to HawaiiBehind the Pages: The Stories of "Sugar Alpha" and "Charlie Bravo"Bad Ass Women: Meeting Amy Chmelecki & the Birth of the Sugar GlidersRaising the Bar: Advocating for Inclusion and Amplifying VoicesBraving the Storm: Navigating Mental Health Amidst DivorceFrom Self to Motherhood: Transformative Moments Before & After ParenthoodSoaring with the Best: Embracing the Thrills with Highlight Pro Skydiving TeamMELISSA IN THE MEDIAMelissa's Website: Melissa-Nelson.comTEDx Speech - Drug Smuggler’s Daughter: Creating Light From DarknessGrab Your Copy of "Sugar Alpha" Unearth the Secrets of "Charlie Bravo" JOIN OUR COMMUNITYLove the show? Help support it by becoming a member of the 20 Minute Call Community! Supporting the show gives access to a private group page where you can:- suggest who you'd like to hear on the podcast- learn what interviews will be upcoming- submit questions for future guests-receive show swagJoin our community and support the pod!Link: patreon.com/The20MinuteCallPodcastADVERTISEAre you interested in partnering with the 20 Minute Call as an advertiser? Let's work together! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyzGET IN TOUCH!Have ideas for a guest or want to leave us some feedback? We'd love to hear from you! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyz

Sep 11, 2023 • 1h 20min
Craig Girard: 8 Time Formation Skydiving World Champion
Text Me Your Thoughts On This EpisodeBorn 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 4-way championships. He is also a two-time World Games Champion, a four-time Bodyflight World Challenge Tunnel Champion, a six-time World Champion in 8-way, and a two-time World Champion in 4-way.A former U.S. Army Golden Knight, a long-time member of Arizona Airspeed, and the chief freefall instructor at Skydive Dubai, Craig's achievements also include being a key member of the 300, 357, and 400-way large formation world records. His influence on the sport earned him a place in the International Skydiving Hall of Fame.Whether flying with the Golden Knights, leading Airspeed's 8-way team, or coaching the next generation of World Class teams, Craig's influence on the sport is truly unparalleled.SHOW NOTES Defying Odds: Remaining Injury-Free After 32,000 SkydivesThe Ultimate Risk: Taking the Leap with... A Unicycle?Elite Lessons: Gleanings from the Legendary Golden KnightsDream Match-ups: Who Craig Wished He'd Battled in the SkyThe Edge: Harnessing a Killer Instinct in the SportUnforgettable Heights: Craig's Most Cherished Competition MemoriesBeyond the Dive: The True Essence of Being a SportsmanMental Mastery: Building Resilience and Fortitude for the JumpLegends in the Sky: Skydivers Craig Holds in High EsteemBehind the Scenes: The Vital Role of Sponsorship in Skydiving SuccessThe Inner Circle: Understanding Team Dynamics Among Skydiving ElitesThe Pact: Crafting a "Contract for Working Together"The Blueprint: Inside the Systems of Arizona AirspeedSurreal Skies: Unforgettable "Pinch Me" Moments at Skydive DubaiPresidential Encounters: The Unforgettable Day Meeting George HW BushGlobe-trotting Freefalls: Experiencing the World's Most Exotic SkydivingFacing Time: Craig on Aging and Life's Changing ChaptersUnder the Hood: Craig's Mechanic DaysWheeling with Weber: Craig's Miata Purchase from Mary EllenTurning Point: Craig's Defining DecisionJOIN OUR COMMUNITYLove the show? Help support it by becoming a member of the 20 Minute Call Community! Supporting the show gives access to a private group page where you can:- suggest who you'd like to hear on the podcast- learn what interviews will be upcoming- submit questions for future guestsreceive show swagJoin our community and support the pod!Link: patreon.com/The20MinuteCallPodcastADVERTISEAre you interested in partnering with the 20 Minute Call as an advertiser? Let's work together! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyzGET IN TOUCH!Have ideas for a guest or want to leave us some feedback? We'd love to hear from you! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyz

Sep 4, 2023 • 1h 3min
Scott Miller: Co-Founder of Flight-1
Text Me Your Thoughts On This EpisodeIf 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 chief test jumper at Performance Designs for five years. In different chapters of his career, he also worked as a camera flyer, an AFF, Tandem and static line instructor and was a founding member of the Flight-1 canopy school. Today, Scott is a personal and professional development coach, speaker and podcaster.SHOW NOTES Bombing Out of Embry Riddle Learning from Rocky Evans Meeting John LeBlanc Becoming a Test Jumper at Performance Designs The start of rapid downsizing: F111 to Zero PThe Genesis of Flight-1 Burning OutRickster Powell - The King of SwoopCaring for TigersScott's Podcast: Task Time Energy PodcastTeaching the LSAT Finding Balance JOIN OUR COMMUNITYLove the show? Help support it by becoming a member of the 20 Minute Call Community! Supporting the show gives access to a private group page where you can:- suggest who you'd like to hear on the podcast- learn what interviews will be upcoming- submit questions for future guestsreceive show swagJoin our community and support the pod!Link: patreon.com/The20MinuteCallPodcastADVERTISEAre you interested in partnering with the 20 Minute Call as an advertiser? Let's work together! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyzGET IN TOUCH! Have ideas for a guest or want to leave us some feedback? We'd love to hear from you! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyz

Aug 28, 2023 • 46min
Shannon Pilcher - Founder, PD Factory Team & Flight-1
Text Me Your Thoughts On This EpisodeToday'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 piloting, including establishing the PD Factory Team and Flight-1 Canopy School, and being featured in a documentary entitled Sky Jumpers which can be viewed on Amazon Prime. Additionally, he has served as a coach for the Australian, Austrian, Brazilian, British, Canadian, Irish and Norwegian national teams, and has worked with elite military operations, and SDC Rhythm XP. It should also be mentioned he was the 2006 Skydiver of the Year in Skydiving MagazineToday, he serves as a leadership coach specializing in organizational and leadership development working with some of the top executives in the highest echelons of the business world. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Love the 20 Minute Call Podcast? Support this Venture and Join our Community!Love the show? Help support it by becoming a member of the 20 Minute Call Community! Supporting the show gives access to a private group page where you can:- suggest who you'd like to hear on the podcast- learn what interviews will be upcoming- submit questions for future guestsreceive show swagJoin our community and support the pod!Link: patreon.com/The20MinuteCallPodcast------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Advertise with the 20 Minute CallAre you interested in partnering with the 20 Minute Call as an advertiser? Let's work together! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyz------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Get in Touch!Have ideas for a guest or want to leave us some feedback? We'd love to hear from you! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyz

Aug 28, 2023 • 52min
Keri Bell - DZO, Skydive Kapowsin
Text Me Your Thoughts On This EpisodeKeri 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 has over 14,000 skydives, is a member of the esteemed Highlight Pro Skydiving Team, an instructor examiner, tandem instructor a world record holder, DZO, a wife, and proud mother of three. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------In this episode: Keri shares what it was like growing up on a dropzoneWhat it was like growing up with cousins Luke Aikins and Andy FarringtonVideo: An epic demo introducing Google Glass in downtown San Francisco! Some of her most memorable jumpsRunning a DZ - Skydive Kapowsin! Being on the Highlight Pro Skydiving Team ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Love the 20 Minute Call Podcast? Support this Venture and Join our Community!Love the show? Help support it by becoming a member of the 20 Minute Call Community! Supporting the show gives access to a private group page where you can: - suggest who you'd like to hear on the podcast- learn what interviews will be upcoming- submit questions for future guests- receive show swagJoin our community and support the pod!Link: patreon.com/The20MinuteCallPodcast------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Advertise with the 20 Minute CallAre you interested in partnering with the 20 Minute Call as an advertiser? Let's work together! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyz------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Get in Touch!Have ideas for a guest or want to leave us some feedback? We'd love to hear from you! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyzThe 20 Minute Call is hosted by James La Barrie of Beyond Marketing.The podcast is edited by Garnett Znidaric of the YouTube channel Blue Skies, Fun Days!
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