Send Us Feedback via TextIn this episode, we dive into the world of Rook Nelson, a respected figure in the skydiving community and the owner of the legendary Skydive Chicago. With an astounding 26,000+ jumps to his name, Rook is a decorated competitor, boasting 13 World Championship Titles, 17 World Records, and 36 National Titles. His passion for skydiving transcends personal achievement as he opens the skies to others through Skydive Chicago, hosting the renowned Summerfest, among other prestigious events from POPS Nationals to the World Championships. Listen in as we chat about Rook's personal thoughts on a myriad of topics  from the perspective of being a skydiver, competitor, event host and business owner. TOPICS DISCUSSED AlchemyMotivationsRunning SummerfestRunning Skydive ChicagoMental HealthWinning and CompetitionFatherhood200-Way 2025Proud MomentsCancerJOIN OUR COMMUNITYLove the show? Help support it by becoming a member of the 20 Minute Call Community! Supporting the show gives access to a private group page where you can:- suggest who you'd like to hear on the podcast- learn what interviews will be upcoming- submit questions for future guests-receive show swagJoin our community and support the pod!Link: patreon.com/The20MinuteCallPodcastADVERTISEAre you interested in partnering with the 20 Minute Call as an advertiser? Let's work together! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyz

Send Us Feedback via TextJoin us for an exhilarating episode as the master storyteller, Rich Grimm, returns for a second time to recount his latest adventures in the Seychelles and South Africa boogies. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions as Rich shares the thrilling highs and challenging lows of organizing skydiving events in some of the world's most remote and breathtaking locations.

Send Us Feedback via TextMatt Fry is a well-respected free flyer with a curiosity for various disciplines that include artistic freefly, big way VFS and even Speed Skydiving! If you’re not familiar with Matt Fry, you’ve seen his work as he served as one of the organizers for this year’s Max Pyro jump which must be considered one of the most spectacular skydives ever made! Matt is also a key organizer working with Rook Nelson and others on the dive engineering for next year's Vertical Elite VFS World Record attempts to be hosted at Skydive Chicago in 2025. Though Matt is at a top level in the sport, his interests go beyond free fall - he is a triathlete, SCUBA diver, and mountaineer.

Send Us Feedback via TextThe indomitable Cheryl Stearns returns to the 20-Minute Call for a second interview to delve deeper into her remarkable career. We explore her aviation journey with over 23,000 flight hours, her quest to break Colonel Joe Kittinger's high jump record with StratoQuest, and her resilience in overcoming loss. Cheryl reflects on the highs and lows of being a pilot, significant injuries from her 22,000+ jumps, and the meticulous planning behind her feats. She shares her habits for high performance, offers advice to skydiving students, and contemplates her legacy and future beyond skydiving and flying.

Send Us Feedback via TextCraig O'Brien has accomplished so much that often his title as a 5-time US National Champion and 3-time World Champion is overlooked! This oversight only happens because of the glowing items on his resumé which includes filming the epic skydiving scenes in Iron Man, Iron Man 3, Kingsman, Godzilla, Point Break, the Hangover III, The Bucket List, Charlie’s Angels,  and perhaps the most iconic skydiving scene ever filmed - the famous HALO jump out of a C-17 military aircraft from 25,000’ with Tom Cruise in frame for the movie Mission Impossible Fallout.SHOW NOTES Family Sky Surfing & X Games The Start: Charlie’s AngelsJumping in TaftTim Rigby & Joe JenningsFirst Big Film: StealthMission Impossible: Getting the CallWorking with Tom CruiseMEDIA LINKSVIDEO: Charlie's AngelsVIDEO: Stealth - Ejection Seat SceneVIDEO: Mission Impossible Fallout: Behind The ScenesVIDEO: Mission Impossible: Tom Cruise and CraigVIDEO: Hall of Fame ReelVIDEO: Team Firestarter VIDEO: 3 Point 217-WayArticle: The Falling StarJOIN OUR COMMUNITYLove the show? Help support it by becoming a member of the 20 Minute Call Community! Supporting the show gives access to a private group page where you can:- suggest who you'd like to hear on the podcast- learn what interviews will be upcoming- submit questions for future guests-receive show swagJoin our community and support the pod!Link: patreon.com/The20MinuteCallPodcastADVERTISEAre you interested in partnering with the 20 Minute Call as an advertiser? Let's work together! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyz

Send Us Feedback via TextDoug Smith has been in the sport of skydiving for 30 years and is renowned for creating one of the world's most beautiful dropzones - Chicagoland Skydiving Center. In 2011, CSC transitioned from Hinckley, Illinois, to a state-of-the-art 20,000-square-foot facility in nearby Rochelle. This impressive center features a restaurant and bar, gear store, sand volleyball courts, and two Cessna Grand Caravans. Notably, it is the first skydiving facility powered by solar energy.Before becoming a Drop Zone Owner (DZO), Doug gained extensive experience as an instructor, videographer, and Safety & Training Advisor (S&TA), and he is an active pilot with over 5,200 flight hours. Despite his busy schedule as a DZO, he continues to jump with a team and recently participated in Operation VK in Florida.LINKSDZ: Chicagoland Skydiving CenterBook: The Gap and the GainBook: Profit First

Send Us Feedback via TextSara Curtis is our guest today, and her resumé reads like a thrilling adventure novel. She’s a stuntwoman, business owner, politician, and world record skydiver. With three World Titles, 11 National Titles in Vertical Formation Skydiving (VFS), 20 World Records, and over 17,000 skydives to her name, Sara Curtis is nothing short of phenomenal.Sara burst onto the scene in the early 2000s with Arizona Arsenal, a revolutionary vertical skydiving team that redefined what was possible in vertical relative work. She has since led and participated in major vertical formation world records, co-founded the Highlight Pro Skydiving team, joined the Eloy City Council as Vice Mayor, performed stunt work in major Hollywood productions, and co-founded a business that trains US Military forces and consults for Firebird, a container manufacturer.Join us as we delve into Sara’s incredible journey and explore the experiences that have shaped her extraordinary career.JOIN OUR COMMUNITYLove the show? Help support it by becoming a member of the 20 Minute Call Community! Supporting the show gives access to a private group page where you can:- suggest who you'd like to hear on the podcast- learn what interviews will be upcoming- submit questions for future guests-receive show swagJoin our community and support the pod!Link: patreon.com/The20MinuteCallPodcastADVERTISEAre you interested in partnering with the 20 Minute Call as an advertiser? Let's work together! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyz

Send Us Feedback via TextMy guest today has truly lived a life that transcends even the wildest dreams of a successful career in skydiving. With over 500 BASE jumps and 17,000 skydives, Jon Devore is a highly respected camera flyer, BASE jumper, wingsuiter, world champion free flyer, and stunt performer. His work has been featured in major films such as 2015’s Point Break, Iron Man 3, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, and Ad Astra.Jon also serves as the event coordinator for the world-renowned Red Bull Air Force, one of the most exciting and recognized demonstration teams globally. In 2023, he was inducted into the International Skydiving Hall of Fame.Despite his incredible achievements, Jon remains as humble as he was when he first arrived at Skydive Arizona over 30 years ago, dreaming of completing 500 jumps to become a tandem instructor back in Alaska. Along the way, he encountered a few remarkable individuals who would forever change the course of his life.JOIN OUR COMMUNITYLove the show? Help support it by becoming a member of the 20 Minute Call Community! Supporting the show gives access to a private group page where you can:- suggest who you'd like to hear on the podcast- learn what interviews will be upcoming- submit questions for future guests-receive show swagJoin our community and support the pod!Link: patreon.com/The20MinuteCallPodcastADVERTISEAre you interested in partnering with the 20 Minute Call as an advertiser? Let's work together! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyz

Send Us Feedback via TextMy guest today is making significant waves in the international skydiving community. Marta Molinska, a well-known skydiver and organizer, is behind one of the most thrilling events emerging out of Europe—the European Skydiving Symposium. With over 2,000 jumps to her name, Marta is an AFF Instructor and Event Manager at Sky Camp in Poland. Her dedication and passion for skydiving are evident in everything she does, and she’s known for her ability to get things done with remarkable efficiency.Beyond her professional achievements, Marta is an inspiring force in the skydiving world, always pushing boundaries and encouraging others to reach new heights. Her expertise and enthusiasm make her a standout figure in the community.LINKSSupport Marta's Father with Funding Ambulances for UkraineVideo: European Skydiving Symposium 2024JOIN OUR COMMUNITYLove the show? Help support it by becoming a member of the 20 Minute Call Community! Supporting the show gives access to a private group page where you can:- suggest who you'd like to hear on the podcast- learn what interviews will be upcoming- submit questions for future guests-receive show swagJoin our community and support the pod!Link: patreon.com/The20MinuteCallPodcastADVERTISEAre you interested in partnering with the 20 Minute Call as an advertiser? Let's work together! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyz

Send Us Feedback via TextMy guest today is from the Pioneer era of parachuting and yet is the sports biggest ambassador. Kim Emmons Knor made her first jump in 1959. As a member of the first U.S. Women’s Parachute Team,  she won gold at the Sixth World Parachuting Championships. Flash forward to present day, or 65 years after her first jump, Kim is inspiring countless people on her journey to gain the Wings Award which is issued by the USPA for the achievement of 1,000 jumps. At age 85, Kim can be found in her red RV traveling from state to state visiting any DZ that will host her and help with her mission. While her age is often referenced, do not be fooled into thinking Kim is a slow-moving geriatric. This lady is one of the most energetic people I’ve ever met, sharp as a tack and quick with her whit. She is the perfect ambassador for our sport as her efforts demonstrate that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. As a result, the media has fallen in love with Kim as she charms everyone on camera and invites the whuffo world that skydiving is for everyone! To date, her story has been picked up by news media around the globe having been featured in Yahoo News in the UK as recently as this morning. In August 2023, she was featured in People Magazine and has since been featured on CBS News, The Sun, ABC and countless local affiliates around the United States.In 2013 Kim was inducted into the International Skydiving Hall of Fame.

Send Us Feedback via TextRudy Ribbeck deployed to Vietnam at 19, piloting a Huey helicopter. He was shot down three times and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Stars, and 53 Air Medals. In his second tour, he flew reconnaissance missions in fixed-wing aircraft. Returning to the US, Rudy served at STRICOM and was assigned to an Intelligence Field Station in Turkey with Top Secret Security Clearance.In the final three years of his 20-year Army career, Rudy joined the elite US Army Golden Knights parachuting team.Post-military, Rudy excelled as a private pilot for a NASCAR team, a commercial pilot for Northwest Airlines, and a private pilot in Singapore. He also worked for a local news station and served as Chief Pilot for US Helicopters, overseeing 48 news helicopters.Today, Rudy flies a Cessna Grand Caravan at Skydive Carolina from Wednesday to Friday.

Send Us Feedback via TextToday's guest is Alan Eustace, who captured global attention on October 24, 2014, by setting the world record for the highest altitude jump at 135,890 feet and the longest freefall distance. His suit from this jump is displayed at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Virginia. Prior to this, Alan was a significant figure in Silicon Valley, having worked at Digital, Compaq, and Hewlett Packard’s Western Research Laboratory. He later joined Google in 2002, where he served as Senior Vice President of Knowledge, overseeing engineering in maps, search, and research. Currently, Alan is a technical advisor at Pivotal, focusing on innovative vertical take-off and landing vehicles, and CEO of Aqua Satellite, aimed at making ocean data more accessible. He also holds various board positions, contributing to fields like fusion energy and neutral carbon space travel. Alan, a co-author of nine publications and co-inventor in ten patents, was inducted into the International Skydiving Museum and Hall of Fame in 2019 for his extraordinary achievements.JOIN OUR COMMUNITYLove the show? Help support it by becoming a member of the 20 Minute Call Community! Supporting the show gives access to a private group page where you can:- suggest who you'd like to hear on the podcast- learn what interviews will be upcoming- submit questions for future guests-receive show swagJoin our community and support the pod!Link: patreon.com/The20MinuteCallPodcastADVERTISEAre you interested in partnering with the 20 Minute Call as an advertiser? Let's work together! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyz

Send Us Feedback via TextJaNette Lefkowitz is a towering figure in competitive skydiving in the United States. JaNette's influence spans widely; it's a common thread among many four-way teams to find at least one member who has benefited from her coaching or mentorship. As the co-founder of SDC Rhythm XP, she has been at the helm of a team that embodies excellence since its inception in 2007, consistently competing at the highest levels globally. In addition to her competitive achievements, JaNette co-founded the Women’s Skydiving Network, a non-profit dedicated to supporting and increasing female participation in skydiving.Above all, JaNette serves as an exemplary ambassador for the sport. Her contributions are marked by undeniable class and unwavering professionalism, making her a respected and influential figure in the skydiving community.JOIN OUR COMMUNITYLove the show? Help support it by becoming a member of the 20 Minute Call Community! Supporting the show gives access to a private group page where you can:- suggest who you'd like to hear on the podcast- learn what interviews will be upcoming- submit questions for future guests-receive show swagJoin our community and support the pod!Link: patreon.com/The20MinuteCallPodcastADVERTISEAre you interested in partnering with the 20 Minute Call as an advertiser? Let's work together! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyz

Send Us Feedback via TextToday's guest is a standout figure in the skydiving world. Becca Farewell, with over 7,000 jumps and 11 years of experience, has served as a tandem instructor, AFF Instructor, and videographer at notable locations including Go Jump Oceanside, Skydive Elsinore, and Skydive Perris. Renowned for her vibrant energy and dedication as a teacher, Becca's life took a dramatic turn in July 2021 when a hard landing resulted in quadriplegia. Undeterred, she continues to inspire through her rehabilitation journey, engaging in activities like wind tunnel flying, tandem skydiving, tetra skiing, and even comedy. Although she no longer skydives actively, Becca's legacy and influence in the community remain profoundly impactful.JOIN OUR COMMUNITYLove the show? Help support it by becoming a member of the 20 Minute Call Community! Supporting the show gives access to a private group page where you can:- suggest who you'd like to hear on the podcast- learn what interviews will be upcoming- submit questions for future guests-receive show swagJoin our community and support the pod!Link: patreon.com/The20MinuteCallPodcastADVERTISEAre you interested in partnering with the 20 Minute Call as an advertiser? Let's work together! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyz

Send Us Feedback via TextJOIN OUR COMMUNITYLove the show? Help support it by becoming a member of the 20 Minute Call Community! Supporting the show gives access to a private group page where you can:- suggest who you'd like to hear on the podcast- learn what interviews will be upcoming- submit questions for future guests-receive show swagJoin our community and support the pod!Link: patreon.com/The20MinuteCallPodcastADVERTISEAre you interested in partnering with the 20 Minute Call as an advertiser? Let's work together! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyz

Send Us Feedback via TextDanny Smith has been the DZO at Skydive Carolina for 38 years and counting! Throughout his tenure, he's endured major challenges, and yet he still loves it (a rarity!). In this episode we talk about Danny's amazing career and love for skydiving. This is a special episode for me as Danny Smith has done so much for me personally. Without him, my discovery of skydiving and my residency in the United States wouldn't exist. I'm deeply grateful for this man who gave me an opportunity when I needed it most. I hope you'll enjoy this episode with DZO, Danny Smith! JOIN OUR COMMUNITYLove the show? Help support it by becoming a member of the 20 Minute Call Community! Supporting the show gives access to a private group page where you can:- suggest who you'd like to hear on the podcast- learn what interviews will be upcoming- submit questions for future guests-receive show swagJoin our community and support the pod!Link: patreon.com/The20MinuteCallPodcastADVERTISEAre you interested in partnering with the 20 Minute Call as an advertiser? Let's work together! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyz

Send Us Feedback via TextLarry Hill is the visionary behind one of the most recognized dropzones in the world, Skydive Arizona. Larry’s influence extends beyond the operation of his famous dropzone. He has been a crucial supporter of competitive skydiving, particularly through his backing of the storied, Arizona Airspeed. This support helped catapult the team to national and world recognition, embodying Larry's commitment to excellence and competitive spirit in skydiving​​. Moreover, Skydive Arizona is not just a drop zone that has hosted every major skydiving event in the world,  but a hub for  the worlds most talented skydivers. You’ll be hard pressed to find any of today’s top competitors who have not journeyed to the town made famous by its dropzone - Eloy. In 2020, Larry was inducted into the International Skydiving Hall of Fame for his tremendous contributions to the sport. JOIN OUR COMMUNITYLove the show? Help support it by becoming a member of the 20 Minute Call Community! Supporting the show gives access to a private group page where you can:- suggest who you'd like to hear on the podcast- learn what interviews will be upcoming- submit questions for future guests-receive show swagJoin our community and support the pod!Link: patreon.com/The20MinuteCallPodcastADVERTISEAre you interested in partnering with the 20 Minute Call as an advertiser? Let's work together! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyz

Send Us Feedback via TextMy guest today is arguably one of the most accomplished skydivers in history. Cheryl Stearns has received every major accolade in skydiving and holds an incredible record as a pilot. Cheryl holds: 33 National Championships30 World Records 22,000+ Jumps First Female Member of the Golden KnightsMost Jumps by a Woman in 24 Hours - 352Int'l Skydiving Hall of Fame Member (2010)Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame Member (2007)Amelia Earhart Pioneering Achievement Award Airbus Captain for American Airlines IN THE MEDIACheryl in the NewsOvercoming Every Obstacle (Video)2023 National ChampionshipsCheryl Stearns Demo at the Statue of Liberty (1978 VIDEO)Cheryl's POV on an Accuracy JumpCherylStearns.comJOIN OUR COMMUNITYLove the show? Help support it by becoming a member of the 20 Minute Call Community! Supporting the show gives access to a private group page where you can:- suggest who you'd like to hear on the podcast- learn what interviews will be upcoming- submit questions for future guests-receive show swagJoin our community and support the pod!Link: patreon.com/The20MinuteCallPodcastADVERTISEAre you interested in partnering with the 20 Minute Call as an advertiser? Let's work together! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyz

Send Us Feedback via TextMy guest today can best be described as a force! Lesley Gale is the owner of 11 World records, 3 British records 4 European records, has competed and medaled at more than 100 skydiving competitions, has been a key organizer for 20 female world, national and European Records. Lesley was also the editor of British Skydiving’s magazine from 1996 to 2010, receiving the Royal Aero Club Nexus Trophy for Aviation Journalism in 2009. She launched her online magazine, SkydiveMag.com in 2013 which today is one of the most-read skydiving magazines in the world and last, but not least, was inducted into the International Skydiving Museum & Hall of Fame in 2022. JOIN OUR COMMUNITYLove the show? Help support it by becoming a member of the 20 Minute Call Community! Supporting the show gives access to a private group page where you can:- suggest who you'd like to hear on the podcast- learn what interviews will be upcoming- submit questions for future guests-receive show swagJoin our community and support the pod!Link: patreon.com/The20MinuteCallPodcastADVERTISEAre you interested in partnering with the 20 Minute Call as an advertiser? Let's work together! E-mail us at podcast@beyondmarketing.xyz

Send Us Feedback via TextMy guest today can best be described as a pioneer for his significant contributions to the sport. Paul Fayard has competed at the highest level having a national and world champion in 4-way, has served as an instructor, rigger, pilot, dropzone owner, operator and most famously, aircraft owner. It should also be mentioned that he has trained more than 150 jump pilots, many of them still flying today. If you haven’t met Paul, you have jumped from one of his aircraft, as he has owned a total of 62 jump planes throughout his career. At one time, he owned 34 planes and has provided aircraft to over 50 dropzones. What made Paul unique is he had empathy for his DZO customers because he himself owned and operated Carolina Sky Sports for 35 years and Florida Skydiving Center Lake Wales as co-owner and eventually full owner between 2003 and 2007. Name a major world record skydiving event and it’s likely Paul was there! He has seen it all and done it all and I’m thrilled to welcome him to the 20 Minute Call podcast.