From soaring through the skies on helicopter rescue missions to embracing the simple joys of fatherhood, David Garderet’s journey is one of passion, reinvention, and unexpected adventure. In this episode, we kick things off with a shared love for Rock and Roll before diving into how Kevin’s dream of learning to fly helicopters led him to meet David.
David’s story takes us from England to California, where he arrived with just 300 pounds in his pocket and an unwavering dream to become an air rescue helicopter pilot. For over two decades, he lived that dream—until he made the life-changing decision to trade the cockpit for full-time fatherhood. Through the magic of play, David built a deep and meaningful bond with his daughter, discovering that some of life’s greatest adventures happen not in the sky, but at home.
This episode is packed with stories of determination, transition, and the unexpected beauty of slowing down. Whether you’re a pilot, a parent, or someone navigating a big life shift, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in David’s story.
Episode Highlights & Timestamps🕒 (00:00) – A Rock and Roll Connection Kevin and David kick off the conversation reminiscing about their mutual love for classic rock.
🕒 (05:14) – Helicopters & First Impressions How Kevin’s passion for aviation led him to meet David and their early conversations about flying.
🕒 (14:32) – 300 Pounds & A Big Dream David’s incredible journey from England to California and the grit it took to make his dream a reality.
🕒 (27:45) – Life as an Air Rescue Pilot Inside the high-stakes world of helicopter rescue missions—the adrenaline, the challenges, and the rewards.
🕒 (42:10) – The Big Shift: From Pilot to Parent Why David chose to step away from aviation to become a stay-at-home dad and how it transformed his life.
🕒 (55:23) – Finding Joy in Play The unexpected life lessons David learned by experiencing the world through his daughter’s eyes.
🕒 (1:10:45) – Reflections & What’s Next David’s take on career transitions, living with purpose, and the value of slowing down.
Key Takeaways✔ Dreams require risk. David took a leap of faith with just 300 pounds and turned his passion into a career. ✔ Reinvention is powerful. After 20+ years in the air, David found a new purpose in full-time fatherhood. ✔ Play isn’t just for kids. Experiencing life through a child’s eyes can bring unexpected joy and perspective. ✔ Success isn’t always about the career. True fulfillment can come from embracing the present and prioritizing relationships. ✔ Transitions can be a gift. Stepping away from one path can open doors to unexpected, beautiful experiences.
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Until next time—keep your wings level and your heart open! 🚁💙
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