AeroTalk

This week we're joined by two aviation trailblazers whose careers helped redefine what was possible for women in the cockpit: Karen Ruth and Jill Newby . They take us from their early days as roommates at UND to remarkably accomplished careers in the airline industry. Karen Ruth, a Delta Air Lines captain, has logged over 23,000 flight hours, flew the first delivery of Delta’s A330 from France to...

Jim Sweeney brings decades of real-world experience in aviation and entrepreneurship. As Co-Founder and President of Fargo Jet Center , he has spent his career building, leading, and scaling aviation businesses with a focus on operational excellence and world-class service. In this episode, he shares his perspective and insights from a career spent growing successful businesses in aviation.

In this episode, we sit down with Don Dubuque, a key architect behind the growth of UND Aerospace, to reflect on his nearly four decades shaping our aviation programs. Don graduated from UND in 1981 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Aviation Administration. From there, he built a distinguished career at UND, serving in numerous leadership positions including: Chief Flight Instructor, A...

We’re wishing you a joyful holiday season and relaxing break. Thanks for being part of the AeroTalk community, and don’t forget to join us next week for our regularly scheduled episodes!

As graduation approaches, UND Aerospace seniors take a moment to reflect on their journey and look ahead to what’s next. In this episode, we ventured outside of the studio and chatted with seniors on campus, asking four thoughtful questions about their experiences, advice for new students, and hopes for the future. 🎓 The four questions we asked: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What’s one pi...

Settle in and get comfortable! This 30-minute study mix combines lofi music with real airplane and airport sounds from UND Flight Operations—perfect for staying focused while preparing for finals or stage checks. Replay this episode as many times as you need to stay productive and in the zone! ✈️📚

In this episode, conflict-resolution expert, Emily Holth , shares practical ways to manage stress and handle tough conversations. Heading into the hectic season of holidays and finals, her insight can help you reduce stress, communicate with clarity, and create more peace in your relationships.

Meet Fred Remer —pilot, storm chaser, researcher, and long-time professor who helped shape the culture of meteorology and aviation at the University of North Dakota before retiring in 2024. From flying UND’s Citation research jet to teaching the legendary Aviation Meteorology course, Fred’s 30+ years at UND are filled with stories that blend science, adventure, and a deep love for helping students...

Getting ready for your Private Pilot Written? In this episode, we sit down with Assistant Chief Flight Instructor, Jason Bensley, to break down how the written exam works. 🔹 What We Cover in This Episode What is the Private Pilot Knowledge Exam? Knowledge Prep: How to Study Effectively Endorsements Explained How to Schedule Your Exam Preparing Yourself Taking the Test: What to Expect After the Te...

Meet Sarah Simek, more commonly referred to as JT, an Air Traffic Controller at Grand Forks International Airport (GFK) and Union President for GFK NATCA. In this episode of AeroTalk , JT shares what it’s like working in the control tower at GFK and discusses how teamwork, adaptability, and resilience play a vital role in keeping operations safe and efficient. JT began her aviation journey at a CT...

This week, we’re joined by Katia Peters and Rav Meddepola, both Senior Lead Flight Instructors at the University of North Dakota. As winter approaches, pilots face unique challenges when flying in cold weather. In this episode, Kat and Rav share essential tips and best practices to help you prepare for winter operations.

In this episode, Matt talks with Todd Gierke, a proud University of North Dakota alumnus and seasoned airline captain, to discuss the power of recognizing and taking hold of opportunities—both in aviation and in life. Todd shares his journey from earning a Psychology degree at UND in 1988 to flying some of the most advanced aircraft in the world with Delta Air Lines. With over 17,000 flight hours,...

After more than three decades of service to the University of North Dakota, Leo Saucedo officially retired in August of 2025. In the days leading up to his final shift, Matt sat down with Leo for a reflective conversation about his journey, the many hats he’s worn at UND, and what’s next in his well-earned retirement. Originally trained in civil engineering, Leo’s career path has taken him from de...

Irene Jirasevijinda is a recent graduate and newly minted Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) at UND Aerospace. She recently sat down and shared her experience navigating college life , intense flight training , and competing as a Division I soccer player —all while being far from home in Thailand and starting with zero aviation background. In this episode, Irene shares: ✈️ How she managed her packe...

In this episode of AeroTalk , we’re taking you back to where it all began—the early days of the aviation program at the University of North Dakota. Join our host, Matt Opsahl, as he sits down with former Assistant Dean, Ken Polovitz, and long-time Aviation Professor, Kent Lovelace. Together, they reflect on their experiences working alongside John Odegard to build one of the nation's leading aviat...

Stressing about your next stage check? In this episode of AeroTalk, Assistant Chief Flight Instructors Bryan Smith and John Rudolph break down simple yet essential steps student pilots may overlook when preparing for their stage checks. Follow along as they discuss common challenges with time management, preparation, and decision making, offering practical strategies to help you overcome these hur...

Welcome to AeroTalk! Tune in for the first episode on September 29th, with new episodes every Monday.