Five years ago, Alan Underwood sat in a truck with a handgun, ready to end his life. In that moment, two words flashed into his mind that changed everything: Be there.

This is the story behind the podcast.

In this trailer episode, Alan shares the moment that brought him to the edge—and the realization that pulled him back. It's a story about grief, despair, and the people we choose to stay for. But it's also about what comes after survival: the dreams fulfilled, the stages spoken on, the grandchildren held, the life rebuilt.

If you've ever felt like giving up, this episode is for you. If you've ever wondered whether the future could be different than the pain you're feeling right now, this episode is for you. If you're looking for someone to be there for you in the moments that matter most—welcome. You're in the right place.

This is Be There—mentoring in the moments that matter most.

From overcoming personal tragedies to finding her passion in leadership consulting, Linda Herzog's journey is a testament to resilience, gratitude, and helping others. Join us for an inspiring conversation filled with practical insights and stories from her impactful career in the aviation industry. Listen now to discover her unique approach to life and leadership!

Key takeaways to listen for

• The importance of waking up each day with a sense of purpose and gratitude
• A discovery of strength and resilience in overcoming personal adversity
• The loneliness that can accompany leadership roles
• Unique challenges women face in the aviation industry
• What it means when fear is perceived as “false evidence appearing real.”

Resources

• International Aviation Womens Association
• Jet Aviation
• Mars and Venus in the Workplace by John Gray | Hardcover

About Linda Herzog

Linda Herzog brings over 30 years of international business leadership and private aviation expertise. After founding and selling her staffing firm, she has provided high-level recruitment services across various industries, including finance and pharmaceuticals. Linda has also advised Fortune 100 companies and high-net-worth individuals on global aviation solutions. Currently, she focuses on high-impact coaching and sales management training worldwide, helping companies enhance team development, communication, and leadership skills.

Connect with Linda

• Website: Herzog Leadership Development Coaching and Training
• LinkedIn: Linda Herzog

Connect with Us

• Website: Angel Flight West
• LinkedIn: Alan Underwood
• YouTube: Plane Success
• Instagram: @thealanunderwood
• Facebook: Alan Underwood

If you're wondering what it takes to soar in the skies, this episode is for you! We chat with Brandon Martini, an experienced pilot and co-founder of Stratus Financial, about his journey into aviation and his passion for flight training. Discover his memorable flying experiences, charitable efforts, and the vibrant community within general aviation by hitting that play button!

Key takeaways to listen for

• The evolution of Aviation Mentors Podcast
• How aviation training is crucial in handling emergencies
• Challenges that led to the creation of Stratus Financial
• Impact of economic conditions on the lending process
• A promising future for pilot financing

About Brandon Martini

Brandon Martini, COO and Co-Founder of Stratus Financial leads strategic initiatives and manages daily operations to foster growth and operational excellence. Under his leadership, Stratus Financial is committed to transforming the financial landscape with innovative, client-focused solutions. Brandon, an avid pilot since 2014, holds Commercial Pilot Certificates and CFI/CFII/MEI instructor ratings. He combines his flight instruction expertise and deep understanding of pilot student loans and private finance to innovate in the aviation industry.

Connect with Brandon

• Website: Stratus Financial
• Podcast: Aviation Mentors | Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Connect with Us

• Website: Angel Flight West
• LinkedIn: Alan Underwood
• YouTube: Plane Success
• Instagram: @thealanunderwood
• Facebook: Alan Underwood

Ignite your passion as you listen to Anthony Mirabile share his journey from a career in the Air Force to becoming a successful real estate investor and aspiring business owner. Discover how he navigates the challenges of entrepreneurship while maintaining a strong focus on family and community. This conversation is packed with actionable insights and motivational lessons, so tune in!

Key takeaways to listen for

• The power of identifying your post-military purpose
• How journaling, reading, and introspection can aid in major life transitions
• What is the concept of making asymmetric bets in investments
• Process and challenges of business acquisition
• Advantages of networking and having mentors

Resources

• The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren | Paperback, Hardcover, and Kindle
• Buy Then Build by Walker Deibel | Paperback, Hardcover, and Kindle
• BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast | Apple Podcasts
• Veteran Business Project
• DOD SkillBridge Program

About Anthony Mirabile

Anthony Mirabile is a dedicated Air Force veteran with a passion for real estate investment and business acquisition. With two master’s degrees in engineering, Anthony has successfully transitioned from a military career to building a robust portfolio of multifamily properties. He is currently focused on acquiring businesses, leveraging his leadership skills and technical expertise to create value and foster community growth.

Connect with Anthony

• LinkedIn: Anthony Mirabile
• Instagram: @uptheante2

Connect with Us

• Website: Angel Flight West
• LinkedIn: Alan Underwood
• YouTube: Plane Success
• Instagram: @thealanunderwood
• Facebook: Alan Underwood

In this episode, Dean "GOGS" Valentini takes us on his journey from accidental career choices to intentional financial freedom. Learn how his disciplined mindset and resilience have guided him through numerous challenges, and gain insights on how you can achieve financial freedom and success in your own career.

Key takeaways to listen for

• What is the role of a flight test engineer in the US Air Force?
• Benefits of having a clear vision and goals in achieving financial freedom
• Challenges and rewards of transitioning from military to civilian life
• Strategies for maintaining motivation and resilience in the face of failure
• The value of accountability and intentionality in personal growth and career success

Resources

• U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School
• BiggerPockets
• VA Home Loan Program
• The House Hacking Strategy by Craig Curelop | Paperback, Hardcover, and Kindle
• Vivid Vision by Cameron Herold | Paperback, Hardcover, and Kindle
• SpaceX
• Empire Test Pilots School
• Lockheed Martin
• Raytheon Technologies
• Northrop Grumman

About Dean "GOGS" Valentini

Dean "GOGS" Valentini is a Computer Engineer and Experimental Flight Test Engineer with the United States Air Force. He currently serves as Chief of Test for a rapid acquisition squadron in Denver, Colorado. Leading a team of test professionals, he manages the planning and execution of diverse programs, delivering urgent solutions for the warfighter in weeks.

A graduate of the USAF Test Pilot School, Dean has eight years of experience in both Developmental and Operational Tests. He holds a B.S. in Computer Engineering and an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Rhode Island. His notable project involved the first-ever flight test of an advanced machine-learning algorithm for RF systems.

In his personal time, Dean is a health and fitness enthusiast, passionate about leadership and growth, and a blockchain and gaming nerd. He is also an aspiring real estate investor, avid outdoorsman, and traveler, often accompanied by his Australian Shepherd mix, Bulleit.

Connect with Dean

• LinkedIn: Dean "GOGS" Valentini

Connect with Us

• Website: Angel Flight West
• LinkedIn: Alan Underwood
• YouTube: Plane Success
• Instagram: @thealanunderwood
• Facebook: Alan Underwood

David Boggs shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful airline pilot, discussing financial hardships, military service, and personal struggles. He highlights the transformative power of perseverance and faith, revealing how he found purpose and continues to inspire others through charitable flying and meaningful connections. Dive in!

Key takeaways to listen for

• Personal and financial struggles delaying David’s aviation pursuits
• The importance of continuous learning in the aviation industry
• Ways to balance professional success with personal life
• Key elements to finding purpose and happiness
• An inspiring tale of committing to charitable flying with Angel Flight West

Resources

• Bible

About David Boggs

David Boggs is an accomplished airline pilot with a rich history in aviation and military service. Starting his journey with a deep passion for flying, David overcame financial struggles and personal challenges to achieve his dream of becoming an airline pilot. With a background as an aircraft mechanic in the Navy, David brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his career. Beyond his professional achievements, David is deeply committed to giving back through charitable flying and helping others in need.

Connect with David

• Instagram: @boggs737

Connect with Us

• Website: Angel Flight West
• LinkedIn: Alan Underwood
• YouTube: Plane Success
• Instagram: @thealanunderwood
• Facebook: Alan Underwood

Ready to transform your retirement into an exciting new chapter? If so, listen to Bette Gardner as she shares her transition from a high-paced professional life to a fulfilling period focused on family, hobbies, and volunteerism. Discover how to find joy, purpose, and adventure by tuning into this conversation.

Key takeaways to listen for

• The impact of entering a new life phase and scaling back professional commitments
• How to prioritize family while managing a successful career
• Insights into the creation and impact of the "Friday Night at the ER" simulation
• Benefits of experiential learning and team collaboration in organizations
• Why you should remember the little things in life and work

Resources

• Friday Night at the ER

About Bette Gardner

Bette founded Breakthrough Learning in 1994 to offer leadership coaching, management consulting, and business development services. Her interest in systems thinking led her to create innovative tools for managing complex systems, including the flagship product, Friday Night at the ER. This tool emerged from a consulting engagement at an urban hospital and trauma center.

Bette developed computer-based learning and decision support tools throughout her career, including ‘management flight simulators.’ She collaborated with Peter Senge and Arthur Andersen on The Fifth Discipline-Interactive, and with High-Performance Systems (now isee systems) on simulations for population health management.

Bette continues to support customers and projects as a senior educator and partners with academic and business leaders to integrate systems thinking into routine work and communities. She holds a degree in psychology from Boston University.

Connect with Bette

• Website: Breakthrough Learning
• LinkedIn: Bette Gardner

Connect with Us

• Website: Angel Flight West
• LinkedIn: Alan Underwood
• YouTube: Plane Success
• Instagram: @thealanunderwood
• Facebook: Alan Underwood

Jeff Moorhouse CFP®, CPFATM, shares a story of how dreams can become goals and goals can become reality, especially when driven by a purpose greater than oneself. Whether you’re interested in aviation, philanthropy, or financial planning, his insights provide valuable lessons on perseverance, community service, and the importance of finding purpose in every flight.

Key takeaways to listen for

• Different ways personal dreams can evolve into impactful community service
• Advantages of having a plan in financial and aviation
• The positive impact of charitable flying through Angel Flight West
• Key to handling emergencies and unforeseen circumstances
• How Jeff’s training in financial planning informs his approach to flying and vice versa

Resources

• National Disaster Search Dog Foundation
• Raymond James Financial Services
• 805 Help
• Warrior Angels Rescue

About Jeff Moorhouse CFP®, CPFATM

Jeff is a seasoned financial planner and pilot known for his personalized approach to wealth management. He combines extensive industry knowledge with a commitment to understanding each client’s unique lifestyle, values, and goals. Jeff implements prudent financial strategies to guide clients through life's milestones, ensuring confidence in their financial future.

Beyond his financial expertise, Jeff is an avid pilot dedicated to charitable flying. He actively supports Angel Flight West and the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, using his skills to positively impact his community. Jeff’s blend of financial acumen and community service sets him apart in financial and aviation fields.

Connect with Jeff

• Website: Moorhouse Financial Services
• LinkedIn: Jeff Moorhouse
• Phone Number: 805-684-2245

Connect with Us

• Website: Angel Flight West
• LinkedIn: Alan Underwood
• YouTube: Plane Success
• Instagram: @thealanunderwood
• Facebook: Alan Underwood