The Cloudbase Mayhem podcast is where you will find fascinating and educational interviews with the best free-flight pilots in the world. If you fly a hanglider or paraglider, if you fly acro or cross country, the Cloudbase Mayhem podcast is where we glean how the great pilots of the world get there. Hosted by Red Bull X-Alps pilot, National Geographic Adventurer of the Year and current holder of the North American foot launch record, Gavin McClurg. Follow me on Instagram @gavinmcclurg or on Facebook @ facebook.com/gavinnmcclurg or Twitter on @cloudbasemayhem.
https://www.cloudbasemayhem.com
#209 Thad Spencer- the Comeback
Thad Spencer returns to the Mayhem to discuss a very different topic than we did in our previous chat. A little over 18 months ago Thad went out with his friend Alex Peterson for what looked like a pretty good day to go big in western Minnesota. Alex towed up first without incident, then Thad hooked in and began to tow up and things went pretty quickly from good day to lights out. Thad discusses the selfish nature of paragliding and its impact on relationships. He also talks about his experience with the Zeno 2 glider and launching in challenging conditions. He shares his experience with emergency response and the hospital, as well as his injuries and recovery process. In this conversation we discuss various aspects of overcoming fear, taking risks, and embracing challenges as we age. We also delve into the topic of retirement and the process of redefining self-identity and finding purpose in this new phase of life. Thad shares his personal experiences and insights, highlighting the importance of confidence and the journey of releasing and rediscovering one’s identity. The conversation concludes with a humorous story about Bill Belcourt’s halo and a reflection on their shared love for flying. This is a humble and at times very funny story about bad luck, good luck, fear injury, family, pain, laughter, and returning to flying. Enjoy!
SHOW NOTES:
Takeaways
* Overcoming fear and taking risks can lead to personal growth and new experiences.
* Injuries can have long-lasting consequences and make individuals more cautious in certain activities.
* Confidence is crucial in extreme sports, but it’s important to find a balance between confidence and caution.
* Retirement can be a challenging transition, but it also offers an opportunity to redefine self-identity and find new passions and purpose.
* Creating and making things can bring fulfillment and a sense of accomplishment in retirement.
* Releasing and rediscovering one’s identity is a journey that takes time and self-reflection.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:00 The Importance of Communication and Emergency Contacts
06:00 The Selfish Nature of Paragliding and Its Impact on Relationships
09:00 The Zeno 2 and Launching in Challenging Conditions
18:00 The Accident: A Big Frontal on Tow
26:00 Emergency Response and Hospital Experience
32:00 Injuries and Recovery
01:08:30 Overcoming Fear and Taking Risks
01:09:22 The Consequences of Injury
01:10:18 The Importance of Confidence
01:11:07 Embracing Challenges as You Age
01:11:37 Retirement and Self-Identity
01:12:31 Finding Purpose in Retirement
01:13:55 The Transition to Retirement
01:14:49 Accepting Aging and Redefining Self-Worth
01:16:14 The Process of Retirement
01:17:43 Creating and Making Things
01:19:01 Releasing and Rediscovering Identity
01:20:33 The Journey of Retirement
01:21:17 Walking and Reflecting