Though it probably sounds a bit disingenuous coming from someone with a web site and multiple social media accounts, self-promotion is one of my least favorite activities. I’ve met people with the ability to sell; it’s a mystifying talent. My wife is a great salesman — she even worked in that field for a number of years. Me, not so much. Peddling myself always leaves me feeling like I need to take a shower.
Nevertheless, it’s something we all have to do from time to time. And there’d no doubt it’s a valuable skill. Job interviews and promotions frequently require marketing one’s talents, experience, and potential to an employer. Sometimes people simply find your background interesting and want to know more about it. Which brings me to my own fifteen minutes: four excellent podcasts where I’ve been the featured guest.
Actually, “recently” might be a bit of a stretch. I just realized two of them were recorded two years ago! I promoted the episodes on my social media back when they were released, but never posted anything about it here at the House of Rapp. I think it’s time to rectify that omission, especially since these are podcasts that I personally subscribe to.
I admire the time and effort these guys put into their craft. Podcasting is so much more involved that a simple web site. I can write from anywhere, editing is simple, and the overhead is low. But a podcast is essentially a miniature radio station. They’ve got recording equipment, streaming and hosting issues, the need to get multiple people on the same call at the same time, and obviously editing is a bit more involved.
Podcasts are well suited to long commutes in the car and anyone with an affinity for books on tape. If you’re looking to feed your aviation addition, this is an excellent way to do it.
Ready for Takeoff, Episode 23
This episode was recorded a few weeks ago. Ready for Takeoff is hosted by George Nolly, who frankly should be the one being interviewed. He flew 315 combat missions in the O-2A and F-4 Phantom in Vietnam, not to mention writing a series of aviation novels based on his experience. He’s also a a Certified Fitness Trainer, self-defense expert, 777 and 787 instructor, and holds a Doctorate in Business Administration. After our podcast was recorded, he very generously sent me a copy of Hamfist Trilogy, which I greatly enjoyed.
AviatorCast, Episode 37
Chris Palmer is another one of those people who makes me feel like a slacker. In addition to the AviatorCast podcast, he runs a company called Angle of Attack, which produces high-tech training and flight simulation products. I love Chris’ perpetually positive attitude and excitement about the future of aviation. I had the opportunity to meet up with him last year while we were both in Miami — which is amazing considering he lives in Alaska and I’m from Southern California. Chris and I spent several months working on a AOA project together. I can’t divulge details because it’s still under wraps, but suffice it to say he’s not just talking about changing the way we train pilots, he’s actually doing it.
AviatorCast Episode 37: Ron Rapp: Gulfstream IV | Aerobatics | Writer | Opinion Leader
AirplaneGeeks, Episode 301
The AirplaneGeeks podcast probably doesn’t need much of an introduction since it’s the 500 lb. gorilla of the genre. They’ve been publishing it since 2008 and have amassed a library of nearly 400 episodes that somehow cover every corner of the aviation ecosystem. It’s every bit as polished, professional, and successful as you’d expect. I told them if they ever needed a guest co-host to give me a call. It was really an honor to be on their program.
Slipstream Radio, Episode 10
Slipstream hasn’t published a new episode in about a year; I don’t know if that means it’s gone for good or just on a hiatus. I hope it’s the latter because it’s a unique partnership between two fascinating aviators. Brent Owens flies business jets for a company in Ohio and built a beautiful RV-8. He was also the guy who started the Blogging in Formation writing project, which inspired some posts I probably never would have come up with — not to mention building some excellent friendships among the writers. Brent’s co-host is Air Force F-22 pilot Rob Burgon, who needless to say has no shortage of interesting stories and a unique perspective on aviation. Rob is a helluva nice guy and the proprietor of Tally One.
Link: http://slipstreamradio.libsyn.com/slipstream-radio-episode-10
Excellent work getting out there and talking flying. I have a hint for the self-promotion: You create another author on the blog. Skippy Sparx, for instance. Skippy let’s us know when Ron (he’ll probably call him Mr. Rapp) will be making an appearance, if there’s a column being published, or if Ron is just in our neighborhood for lunch.
Many famous people use this trick. It saves you from having to write about yourself and it means when the promotional work is over Mr. Sparx just disappears, no shower necessary.
Thanks Colin! What a name: Skippy Sparx. I’m imagining his seafaring brother would be Boaty McBoatface, yes? It’d be worth creating an alter ego for the nom de plume alone.
It can be embarrassing, but its worth it to talk flying with people who are so passionate, experienced, and knowledgeable about aviation. Even those of us already in the game have dreams about aviation. For example, I love your posts about the new DA-42. #jealous 🙂
I understand your distaste for self-promotion as I feel exactly the same way. That said, I am so very glad you decided to share these four podcasts! While I listen to Aviatorcast and Airplane Geeks regularly, I missed your appearances on those programs. I have gone back and listened to Aviatorcast episode 37 and Ready for Takeoff episode 23 and thoroughly enjoyed them both. I will listen to the other two as well when I get a chance. Thank you so much for letting us know about them and for sharing your knowledge, experience and passion so articulately!
Glad you enjoyed the episodes, Jen! Say, have you been a guest on any of these podcasts? I think you’d make a fascinating and unique addition. In fact, I’d be willing to bet that none of ’em have had the chance to interview someone who comes from your particular slice of the aviation world. I’m not just referring to the obsession with stair trucks, runway sweepers, and other support equipment (although that would probably be more than enough material for an hour-long podcast), but the airport administration job as well. Major airports are essentially small cities unto themselves, so it’d be neat for folks to have a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep one running.
Thank you so much Ron – that is very kind of you to say! I haven’t yet had the opportunity to be on a podcast, but maybe some day. When it comes to the airport, there’s always plenty to talk about.