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Thinking about thinking, with Dr. Kenneth Stahl

Thinking about thinking, with Dr. Kenneth Stahl

Author: Sporty's Pilot Shop November 4, 2025 Duration: 47:58
Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's
LeisureAviation

Making good decisions is a critical skill for safe flying, but it’s something most pilots rarely think about. Not Ken Stahl. He explains how to think smarter, especially under pressure, with valuable insights from his experience in cardiac surgery and the cockpit. Dr. Stahl also talks about the value of a “dopamine holiday,” how to monitor your flying performance as you age, and crew resource management. In the Ready to Copy segment, he talks about whether doctors are good pilots, how to live a healthier life, and his favorite question from patients.

SHOW LINKS:

* Dr. Stahl’s articles: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/articles-by-author/kenneth-stahl

* Dopamine holiday: https://psychcentral.com/blog/dopamine-fasting-probably-doesnt-work-try-this-instead

* Pilot’s Tip of the Week: https://pilotworkshop.com/tip-of-the-week/



    • There’s a particular kind of conversation that happens in the cockpit or after a flight, where the real stories and honest opinions come out. Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's captures that feeling, sitting down for genuine talks with some of the most compelling people in aviation. You’ll hear from flight instructors breaking down the real challenges of training, alongside airshow performers sharing the moments that truly tested their skill. Each episode goes deeper than the usual hangar talk, aiming to connect with anyone who feels that pull to the sky. Wrapping up every conversation is a favorite segment, “ready to copy,” a rapid-fire round that cuts past the cliches to reveal what each guest truly believes. This podcast, presented by Sporty's Pilot Shop, is built for those who live and breathe flying, offering a mix of grounded advice and unforgettable stories from the people who know aviation best. It’s about the shared language and passion that defines the flying life.
    Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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