Advertise on podcast: Wonder Women of Aviation

In this powerful episode of Wonder Women of Aviation, hosts Natalia McAlee and Theresa Eaman sit down with aviation icon Julie Clark — pioneering female pilot, legendary air show performer, author, and lifelong advocate for women in aviation. Julie shares her journey from falling in love with aviation at a young age to building a career in a male-dominated industry during the 1970s and 1980s. She opens up about the challenges she faced, the doors that were never opened for her, and how perseverance, passion, and grit helped her build her own. The conversation explores the evolution of air show performances, the emotional power of flying to music, and the importance of real-world experience and training for young pilots. Julie also reflects on her accomplishments, the legacy she hopes to leave behind, and why community and mentorship matter more than ever in aviation. Whether you’re a pilot, aviation enthusiast, or someone chasing a dream that feels out of reach, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the path forward doesn’t exist — until you create it. 🌐 Official Website: https://www.julieclarkairshows.com

In this episode of the Wonder Women of Aviation Podcast, we sit down with Peggy Chabrian, founder of Women in Aviation International (WAI), to explore how one idea grew into a global movement supporting women across the aviation industry. Peggy shares how aviation scholarships have expanded beyond traditional flight training, why education and leadership are essential to the future of aviation, and how community and networking continue to open doors for women at every career stage. We also discuss the growth of Girls in Aviation Day, the importance of inclusivity, and the many career paths available in aviation beyond the cockpit. If you’re a pilot, student, educator, or aviation professional — or simply curious about how aviation continues to evolve — this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and practical perspective from one of the industry’s most influential leaders. 🎙️ Guest: Peggy Chabrian ✈️ Organization: Women in Aviation International (WAI) 🌐 Website: https://www.womeninaviation.org 📱 Follow Women in Aviation International: • Instagram: @womeninaviation • Facebook: Women in Aviation International • LinkedIn: Women in Aviation International 🛩 Programs Mentioned: Girls in Aviation Day, scholarships, aviation education & leadership initiatives 🤍 Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the Wonder Women of Aviation Podcast. Be sure to follow the show, share this episode, and stay connected as we continue highlighting the voices shaping the future of aviation.

In this episode of Wonder Women of Aviation, host Natalia McAlee sits down with Peyton Burnett — an aviation artist, creator, and rising voice in the air show community. Known for her vibrant aviation artwork and passion for fighter jets and military demo teams, Peyton has quickly become a standout creator in the world of flight. Peyton shares how her love for aviation first took shape, what sparked her obsession with air shows, and how she transformed her creative talent into a mission to celebrate aviation through art. She opens up about her admiration for the Blue Angels and the F-22 Raptor Demo Team, and how those iconic moments in the sky continue to fuel her creativity and career. This episode goes deeper than airplanes and artwork. Peyton talks candidly about overcoming limitations — from self-doubt to outside expectations — and the confidence it takes to pursue dreams in a male-dominated industry. Her journey is a reminder that you don’t need to fit a mold to belong in aviation — you can create your own runway and take off anyway. ✨ A down-to-earth and empowering conversation for aviation fans, artists, air show enthusiasts, and women in aviation who are chasing big dreams and refusing to be defined by limitations. 🎧 Tune in for aviation inspiration, creative energy, and a powerful look at what happens when passion meets perseverance — and you decide the sky isn’t the limit.

In this conversation, Natalia Mcalee interviews pilots Olga Sanikova and Robin Liebman at the Miramar Air Show. They discuss the pink jet, an L-39 Albatross, which raises breast cancer awareness and empowers women in aviation. The pilots share their personal journeys into aviation, the challenges they faced, and the importance of encouraging young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. They also highlight the significance of community support and donations in sustaining their mission.

In this episode of the Wonder Women of Aviation podcast, host Natalia Mcalee and co-host Theresa Eaman engage in a deep conversation with Jessica Anderson, the director of the documentary 'The Flight of Jackie Cochran.' They explore the life and legacy of Jackie Cochran, an often-overlooked pioneer in aviation, discussing her achievements, the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, and the importance of bringing her story to light. The conversation also touches on the making of the documentary, the historical context of women in aviation, and the impact of representation in media. Jessica would like to thank:  Executive Producer Dave King The film was made in partnership with SOWAL FOUNDATION Associate Producers Nancy Hasty & Ray Houseknecht  Director of Photography Mark Little  Editor Megan Kasabian  Music By Barry Best 

On this NEW episode of Wonder Women of Aviation, I talk with Victoria Yeager — pilot, author, adventurer, and wife of Brigadier General Chuck Yeager, the legendary test pilot who became the first man to break the sound barrier. Victoria shares how she first met Chuck on a hiking trail, learned to fly with him, and traveled the world at his side. She also opens up about her own fearless feats — from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to helping put away a human trafficker with a gun to her head. Together, we talk about the charity work she and Chuck quietly supported, their adventures from Africa to Afghanistan, and what it was like watching him fly airshows well into his 80s. We reflect on Chuck’s timeless lessons — like “any landing you can use the plane the next day is an excellent landing” — and the no-nonsense safety mindset that shaped his career. Victoria also shares insights from her books, What a Ride and 101 Chuck Yeager-isms, and her ongoing work to keep history alive, including General Chuck Yeager Aviation Day on September 27 at Jackson County Airport in Millwood, West Virginia. Expect flight simulators, drones, RC airshows, and more — a celebration of aviation and the Yeager legacy. 🌐 Learn more and find Victoria’s books at chuckyeager.com. This is a conversation about grit, love, adventure, and legacy — and why Victoria Yeager is every bit the Wonder Woman of Aviation her title suggests.

This episode was recorded a few years ago—but the insight is timeless. Join us on Wonder Women of Aviation as we step inside NASA’s legendary Super Guppy with Raymond, instructor pilot for the Johnson Space Center. From transporting spacecraft to supporting billion-dollar missions, this oversized aircraft is anything but outdated. Raymond walks us through: The Super Guppy’s origins in the 1960s Saturn V era Why this aircraft still supports today’s Artemis missions The quirks of flying a plane with no autopilot and 1940s-era controls Wild stats: 25 ft cargo diameters, 700–800 gallons/hour fuel burn, and unique flight dynamics What it’s like to sign for a $2 billion spacecraft (yes, really) Plus, the history of the “Pregnant Guppy,” vertical center-of-gravity calculations, and what it takes to safely move rockets, jets, and more. 📲 Follow us on Instagram @wonderwomenofaviation for more behind-the-scenes aviation stories from airshows to aerospace.

In this unforgettable episode of Wonder Women of Aviation, we sit down with Jessica Cox—motivational speaker, black belt, and the first armless pilot in the world. Born without arms, Jessica has not only shattered barriers in aviation but continues to inspire millions through her relentless pursuit of the impossible. From earning a pilot certificate using only her feet to developing her next big dream—The Impossible Airplane (Project 2025)—Jessica shares: Why she chose to conquer her fear of flying What it’s like to fly with foot controls The power of adaptive technology and innovation Her goals for building a custom RV-10 aircraft with EAA Chapter 898 How she’s helping others believe in their own impossible This episode is a raw and empowering look at what it means to be fearless. 🚀 Follow the progress of Project 2025, and experience the Impossible Airplane simulator designed to help others understand foot-controlled flight. 📲 Follow me on Instagram @wonderwomenofaviation for more inspiring interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and exclusive aviation content.

In this inspiring episode of Wonder Women of Aviation, we sit down with the incredible Vicky Benzing—airshow performer, aerobatic pilot, race pilot, and former Silicon Valley chemist. With over 40 years of flying experience and more than 50 different aircraft under her belt, Vicky shares: Her journey from Ph.D. chemist to full-time pilot How skydiving reignited her passion for aviation What it’s like to race at Reno and fly aerobatics at airshows The differences between competition and performance flying Why believing in yourself is the #1 key for women in aviation You’ll also hear fun behind-the-scenes moments, from how she names her planes ("Lucky Girl," "Little Purple," and "Scarlett") to the 5 essential items she packs when flying from show to show. ✈️ Whether you're an aspiring aviator or a seasoned flyer, Vicky’s story is packed with motivation, grit, and heart. 📲 Follow me on Instagram @wonderwomenofaviation for more stories that preserve the history and elevate the voices of women in aviation.

Ever wanted to step into the cockpit of a real fighter jet? In this episode of Wonder Women of Aviation, we sit down with Dewey Larsson, founder of Dream Big Entertainment and the man behind the Top Gun Experience—a fully immersive F-18 cockpit that tours airshows nationwide. From childhood dreams at airshows to launching a full-time business built around aviation history and accessibility, Dewey shares: How his 8-year-old self made a promise that still fuels his mission today The incredible story behind his current F-18 cockpit—including its Marine, Navy, and Blue Angels past What it’s like to hit 36 airshows a year with a fighter jet in tow Why he believes every kid (and adult!) deserves to sit in the pilot’s seat If you love airshows, Top Gun, or stories of turning passion into purpose, this episode is for you. Buckle up—this one’s full afterburner. 🔥✈️ 🎧 Follow us for more behind-the-scenes stories from the people shaping aviation today.

Ever heard of DOC? This B-29 Superfortress didn't see overseas action in WWII, but it has an amazing story! We talk with Mary Green about DOC's role in radar training, its near demise as a Navy target, and its incredible restoration. Find out how you can support DOC and keep this piece of aviation history alive! b29doc.org

Ever wondered what happened to Elvis Presley's jet? The Wonder Woman of Aviation has the answer! Natalia interviews Jimmy of Jimmysworld, who rescued the abandoned aircraft and turned it into a rolling tribute to aviation history. Listen to the incredible story, who owned it and how you can see it in person, and learn how you can support Wings of Compassion, the veteran aviation nonprofit behind this amazing project. Visit ElvisJet.com to see the video and SaveThe310.com to learn more!

Join us for an intimate conversation with Manfred Radius, a legendary glider pilot reflecting on his remarkable 39-year career as he prepares for retirement. This episode captures the essence of Manfred's journey from his early days in Germany to becoming a renowned aerobatic glider performer in North America. Episode Highlights: Manfred's introduction to gliding in 1961 and his journey to over 1,000 airshow performances The unique H101 Salto glider and Manfred's mastery of aerobatic maneuvers Competing in glider aerobatics championships and pioneering performances The significance of airshows in entertainment, education, and aviation community building Insights into the world of professional airshow performance and the role of ICAS Manfred's heartfelt gratitude to those who made his career possible As Manfred prepares for his final performances in 2024, he shares wisdom gained from a lifetime in the air. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the art of glider aerobatics and the vibrant airshow community from a true master of the craft. New episodes weekly. Follow us on Spotify and social media

In this week's episode of Wonder Women of Aviation, we are thrilled to have Kara Hueni, a dedicated NASA JSC Flight Management Specialist. She shares her captivating journey to becoming a part of the space exploration dream team! 🌠 Kara's story is truly out-of-this-world as she takes us behind the scenes and shares the secrets of working at NASA, from her earliest aspirations to the thrilling reality of her job. 🛰️ Get ready to be inspired and awed as Kara delves into her experiences with the Super Guppy, a massive cargo plane that's an unsung hero in NASA's missions. 🛩️ Tune in now for an episode that's lightyears beyond ordinary and discover the incredible world of NASA through Kara's unique perspective. 🌟 Don't forget to hit that subscribe button, and as always, let us know your thoughts and questions in the comments below! 👩‍🚀 #NASA #SuperGuppy #SpaceExploration #PodcastJourney

Soar through history with Gigi Coleman as she unveils the extraordinary legacy of her great-aunt, Bessie Coleman – the first Black and Native American woman to earn a pilot's license. This captivating episode takes you on a thrilling journey from the skies of the 1920s to today's runways, where Bessie's pioneering spirit continues to inspire a new generation of aviators. Discover how a sharecropper's daughter became an international aviation icon, and how her great-niece is now breaking barriers in the cockpit and the classroom. You'll hear about: The Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Stars program, launching careers and dreams Exclusive partnerships with major airlines transforming the industry Innovative educational initiatives, from flight sims to drone certifications The $10 million B. Coleman Aviation hangar – a testament to Bessie's enduring impact Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, a history buff, or someone reaching for the stars, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to spread your wings. Join us for an uplifting celebration of Black excellence that proves the sky is not the limit – it's just the beginning. Tune in now and let Bessie Coleman's remarkable story elevate your spirit and ignite your passion for achievement! #blackhistorymonth