Air-Check Your Life

Air-Check Your Life with Travis Hahler This episode welcomes Travis Hahler, author, dad, and brain science enthusiast, to chat about why we all dig in our heels when change shows up, and how curiosity can be a total game-changer in life and leadership. Travis breaks down the idea that resistance isn’t about being difficult; it’s just your brain trying to keep you safe. We dive into why leaders ten...

The Power of Packaging: Storytelling, Leadership, and Simplicity with Gavin McMahon What separates a great idea from a winning one? Author and leadership expert Gavin McMahon joins to challenge the classic philosophy that “the best idea wins,” arguing instead that it’s the best packaged idea that truly succeeds. In this episode, you’ll learn why storytelling is indispensable in business, how leade...

Join us as we sit down with Mary Baird, author of "Squash the Sunday Scaries," to unpack what’s broken at work and how to genuinely improve the employee experience. This episode is packed with actionable insights for HR leaders, people managers, and anyone tired of ping-pong table fixes. Why "work is broken" and how trust issues drive disengagement Old Guard vs. New Guard HR: why your people matte...

Discover why the people in your life matter more than you think, with Dr. Larry's inspiring approach to connection and gratitude. Learn actionable steps to identify and deepen your most meaningful relationships. Why “the people in your life are a gift” is more than just a saying Simple workshop to identify who you rely on, and who relies on you The connection between relationships and longevity Re...

Grieving isn’t something you get over; it changes, and so do you. In this episode, grief counselor Jill McMahon joins the conversation to unpack what happens when you’re finally ready to move forward. Why grief after a loss can resurface years later The difference between letting go and stopping caring How guilt shows up in the grieving process Practical advice for honoring loved ones while moving...

Unlock the secrets to high performance with insights from James Laughlin, author of "Habits of High Performers." In this episode, we dive straight into the mindset and practices that set achievers apart. Why radical clarity beats distraction every time The real cost of “having it all”: sacrifice, flow, and counterbalance How to identify and reframe limiting beliefs for lasting change Simple tools...

In this episode of Air Check Your Life, Mathew Blades turns the air-check lens inward to explore deep, often unspoken money narratives. They break down how childhood experiences can impact your financial mindset, and what it takes to rewrite the story.  The root of money scarcity and how early programming sticks with us Why financial fears persist, even with professional success A step-by-step wal...

So You Married a Human: Practical Wisdom for Real Relationships with Jackie Kelly In this episode, Mathew sits down with relationship expert and author Jackie Kelley to explore the ups and downs of marriage through a refreshingly honest and humorous lens. Drawing from her own 12-year relationship and countless mistakes along the way, Jackie shares actionable strategies for improving communication,...

Explore the real value of sharing your grief journey with Jill McMahon and Mathew Blades in this honest, educational conversation. Learn why opening up matters and how it can help you and those around you. The difference between "trauma dumping" and genuine sharing Practical ways to start talking about grief, even if it’s hard Why sharing your story is crucial for healing and resilience How to res...

Discover what it means to "live F.R.E.S.H" with Frank Kitchen and how you can apply this powerful mindset to boost your life and leadership. On this episode, we dig into practical tools and real-life strategies that keep you moving forward, not standing still. Why being “fresh” matters and how to avoid feeling stale How your inner circle impacts your growth and excitement The importance of honest...

Ever wondered how many Mondays you have left—and what you’re doing with them? In this episode, Mathew Blades and Jodi Wellman break down the “4,000 Mondays” perspective and challenge you to rethink your life’s priorities. The surprising math behind how many weeks you’ll likely live Why facing death is the ultimate motivator for self-improvement How to spot your “pregrets” (regrets waiting to happe...

Does grief or loss actually make us better people? In this episode, Matthew Blades and Jill McMahon dive deep into the transformative power of hardship, sharing real stories and practical advice. How catastrophic loss can reshape your perspective and personal growth The importance of validating your pain and leaning into the grief process Why building community and connection is essential for heal...

In this episode, hosts Mathew Blades and Cortney McDermott explore sustainability through the lens of personal growth and deep self-awareness. Inspired by Tolstoy’s quote, “Everyone thinks of changing the world, no one thinks of changing himself,” they discuss the power of noticing what’s working, what’s not, and the importance of tuning inward rather than chasing external results. Cortney shares...

Struggling with anxiety and looking for real solutions that don't involve quick fixes? In this episode, Mathew Blades and Dr. Anna Marie Frank break down the root causes of anxiety and offer practical strategies for calming your nervous system. The rising rate of anxiety across all ages and what it looks like today Personal stories about turning away from alcohol, pills, and cannabis as Band-Aids...

Avoiding tough conversations with ourselves is something most people struggle with, but learning to face them can change everything. In this episode, Mathew Blades and Jill McMahon dig into why it's essential to get real, shed old habits, and ask yourself the right questions. Why pain, change, and uncertainty are unavoidable parts of life The mindset of people who don’t avoid hard conversations an...

This episode of AirCheck Your Life dives into the Awareness-Control Matrix, showing how metacognition boosts your relationships, decision-making, and emotional intelligence. Join Mathew Blades and Dr. Dave as they break down how to move from reactivity to response in everyday life. Quick recap of Quadrants 1, 2, and 3 for understanding automatic vs. intentional behavior What it really means to liv...

What sustainability really means In this episode, Mathew Blades and Cortney McDermott dive into the real meaning of sustainability, beyond the buzzword. Courtney shares her personal journey as a leader in corporate responsibility and reveals why traditional definitions often fall short. The conversation shifts from environmental policies to a deeply personal perspective: true sustainability begins...

In this episode of AirCheck Your Life, Mathew and Jill dive into why it's important not to comment on things you don't fully understand, especially when it comes to grief. With special insights from Harry Styles, the conversation explores how judgment around grief does more harm than good. Key topics covered: Why people often judge others’ grieving processes and how common this is Harry Styles' ho...

In this episode of Dr. Dave and Mathew Blades dig deep into why the need to be “right” can keep us trapped in the same old patterns. Using their AIRCHECK framework, they break down “Quadrant 3,” a state of low awareness but high control, where rigid thinking and emotional avoidance drive behaviors that damage relationships and stifle growth. Dr. Dave shares practical insights on spotting unconscio...

In this heartfelt episode, Mathew Blades opens up about the loss of a beloved uncle, and the duo explores what it means to permit ourselves to feel, without compartmentalizing pain or rushing through difficult moments. Cortney McDermott guides a grounding meditation centered on collective healing, reminding us of the importance of connection and the safety found in shared experiences. Together, th...

In this kickoff episode of "Air Check Your Life," the evolution of the long-running "Learn From People Who Lived It" host, Mathew Blades, welcomes returning guest expert Dr. Anna Marie Frank. Together, they introduce a practical framework for self-reflection inspired by lessons from the broadcasting world: What’s working for you, what needs tweaking, and what isn’t serving you anymore? Dr. Anna Ma...

Advance Your Career Without Sacrificing Your Personal Life with Eva In this episode, Mathew Blades is joined by Eva, a high-performance coach from the Bay Area, to tackle one of today’s toughest questions: How can you advance your career without losing yourself or your relationships in the process? Eva shares her own story of burnout and the near-loss of her marriage to illustrate why “doing it al...

When Someone You Love Is Dying: Anticipatory Grief with Jill McMahon In this episode, you'll hear: The four stages of anticipatory grief and how they differ from conventional grief How to navigate the emotions of loss before it happens, from acceptance and reflection to rehearsal and imagining life without your loved one Practical advice for mending relationships and preparing for inevitable goodb...

I Know Better, Why Can’t I Change? with Dr. Dave In this episode, Mathew Blades and Dr. Dave dive into the frustrating experience of knowing what you “should” do, yet feeling stuck in old habits and emotional responses. Drawing on neuroscience concepts like kindling theory, Dr. Dave explains why our brains default to familiar patterns, even when we want to change. Together, they explore five core...

Join hosts Mathew Blades and Courtney McDermott as they explore the powerful concept of “frequency over force” and why shifting your internal state, rather than pushing harder, is the key to meaningful transformation. Drawing on neuroscience, personal stories, and practical techniques, Courtney McDermott explains how brainwave frequencies impact our stress and fulfillment, and why simply “forcing...