As I took my seat for the first time as a permanent co-host on Contagious Smiles Teen Talk, the excitement was palpable—not just for me, but for everyone tuning in. We soared into the fascinating life of Slice, a fighter pilot whose aerial adventures began with a childhood model jet. Our conversation navigated through his first solo flight at 16, to his crucial decision-making moments high above the clouds. Joined by the delightful Isla and Victoria, we carved out a flight path that was as informative as it was inspiring, leaving our listeners with a fresh perspective on what it means to chase a dream and catch it among the stars.

Transitioning from the thrill of fighter jets to the responsibility of commercial aviation, I shared the cockpit of insight with our listeners, discussing the bumps and learnings that come with being a pilot. It's not just about the skies; it's about the journey—honoring the missteps as much as the milestones. From my own brush with a retired A-10 Warthog fighter pilot instructor to the everyday diligence required in flight training, we celebrated the mentors who guide us and the relentless pursuit of excellence, whether we're born with wings or we craft them with hard work and persistence.

The episode's heartbeat was found in the personal stories of ambition and overcoming adversity. Logan Xavier Becker, our youngest co-host, shared a personal narrative as deep and vast as the skies I've flown—his battle with heart disease, dreams of major league glory, and the power of art to uplift and heal. We delved into the resilience needed to stand tall in the face of life's curveballs, and the collective strength of our community. Art, storytelling, and the spark of creativity became the wind beneath our wings, as we wrapped up another episode intended to keep the smiles spreading long after the show ends.

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