#275 Hike and Fly Racing, Supporting, and Having One with Ben Hodgson

Hang Gliding Unveiled: Safety, Gear, and Growth Strategies with Erika Klein

Jul 1, 20261h 11mSummary

In this episode of Cloudbase Mayhem, the host sits down with longtime hang glider pilot and instructor Erika Klein to explore the current state of hang gliding and the importance of a mindful, long-term approach to the sport. Klein shares her experiences with dune flying, a unique aspect of the sport she frequently highlights through her engaging social media content. She emphasizes that hang gliding offers diverse experiences beyond just high-altitude distance flying, such as the rhythmic, bird-like precision of flying low over dunes. The conversation delves into the evolution of pilot progression, with Klein advocating for learning at one’s own pace rather than succumbing to the external pressure to quickly upgrade to advanced, high-performance wings. She also discusses the critical need for more accessible gear, specifically the development of short-pack gliders that can easily fit into standard vehicles, as a key strategy for attracting and retaining new pilots. Throughout the discussion, Klein addresses common misconceptions between hang gliding and paragliding—clarifying myths regarding setup time, cost, safety, and flight characteristics—to help bridge the gap between the two disciplines. The episode concludes with a fascinating look at the rare, regulated hang gliding opportunities within Yosemite National Park.

#274- Breaking Barriers: Fatemeh Eftekhari’s journey as Iran’s “Queen of the Skies” and the Power of Aviation

Jun 5, 202657 minSummary

In this episode, the Cloudbase Mayhem podcast features a compelling conversation with Fatemeh Eftekhari, often referred to as the Queen of Iran’s skies. As one of the first female paragliders in Iran to compete internationally, Eftekhari shares her journey of breaking down societal barriers to pursue her passion. The discussion highlights her instrumental role in founding the Women's Flight Society, a project dedicated to empowering Iranian women to pursue aviation, successfully challenging the notion that high-level flying is exclusively a pursuit for men. Beyond her personal achievements, Eftekhari provides a rare, grounded perspective on the reality of living in Iran. She describes the country’s diverse geography—ranging from high-altitude flying sites to lush forests—and emphasizes the profound warmth and hospitality of the Iranian people. She also speaks candidly about the challenges of being a pioneer in a male-dominated sport and her work in helping other women overcome the mental and societal limitations that hinder their progress. The episode offers an inspiring look at the intersection of personal freedom, courage, and the universal desire to push beyond one's comfort zone, regardless of geographical or cultural obstacles.

#273 Elite performance, Flow States and Mindset with NBA coach and author Bret Burchard

May 23, 20261h 35mSummary

In this episode, host Gavin McClurg welcomes former NBA coach and author Bret Burchard to discuss the intersection of elite sports performance, mindset, and flow states. Drawing from his sixteen-year career in professional basketball, Burchard shares insights from his book, Catching Confetti: Developing the Mindset of a Champion. He highlights a crucial observation: while many athletes possess identical levels of raw talent and athleticism, the primary separator between top-tier performers and those struggling to break through is often mental rather than physical. The conversation explores the nature of flow, emphasizing that it is a state to be received through relaxation and presence rather than forced through active striving. Burchard explains how common performance issues—such as loss of confidence or inability to recover from failure—are often rooted in an insecure identity where an athlete ties their self-worth directly to outcomes. By reframing fear and quieting the subconscious mind, individuals can move beyond irrational pressures. Ultimately, the discussion provides valuable lessons on how to maintain clarity, manage ego, and build the necessary resilience to perform at one's peak, whether on the basketball court or while navigating the risks of aviation.