Welcome to another episode of Final Approach. I’m your host, Jonathan Knaul, and this week’s episode is a heartfelt journey through aviation achievement, family bonds, and the realities of caregiving, all told through the story of my good friend and colleague, Steve Rainey (call sign “Hooter”). We sit down at my home in Palmdale, CA, to talk about the high-flying world of test pilots, but more importantly, the grounded challenges of caring for loved ones.

In this episode, I introduce Steve, whose legendary aviation resume includes serving as the lead and chief test pilot on the F-22 Raptor for Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and the U.S. Air Force. We discuss his storied career, including his beginnings in rural Illinois, first flight experiences, and transitions through the Air Force Academy, Naval Test Pilot School, and flying the world’s largest wingspan aircraft at Stratolaunch.

But our conversation takes a much more personal turn as Steve opens up about his recent journey as a caregiver to his father. He shares the emotional, logistical, and financial challenges faced when caring for aging parents, from remote monitoring, securing home caregivers, and navigating the health system, to the heartbreak of loss and the importance of community support.

We reflect on the family environment at National Test Pilot School (NTPS), the power of having a strong support system—both at work and in personal life—and how being part of a caring team makes all the difference, especially during life’s toughest moments.

1. From Cockpits to Caring: Even the most accomplished professionals, including test pilots, face vulnerable moments—like those spent caring for aging parents. Sharing these stories helps normalize them and makes us stronger.
2. Value of Family & Support: Having a “family” at work, and a strong network of friends and colleagues, is invaluable when dealing with personal challenges.
3. Caregiving Realities: The transition to caregiving often comes with complex emotions, guilt, and logistical struggles, especially when negotiating between independence, dignity, and safety for loved ones.
4. Finding Good Help: Sometimes, the best caregiving resources come from personal connections, not just online searches or formal channels.
5. Cherish the Present: Spend time with your loved ones—don’t wait for “next time.” Those moments are precious and finite.
6. Aviation Community Lessons: The test pilot community’s emphasis on collaboration, safety, and mutual support has valuable lessons for caregiving—don’t try to do it alone.
7. Emotional Honesty Matters: Embracing and expressing emotion, even in traditionally stoic professions, is a form of true strength.

If you’re moved by Steve Rainey’s story or facing your own caregiving journey, I encourage you to visit finalapproachbook.com. There, you can join our caregiving community, sign up for our newsletter packed with support and tips, and learn more about my book, Final Approach: A Test Pilot Story of Caring for Loved Ones, available in print, audio, and ebook formats.

If you’re a caregiver, know that you are not alone. Reach out, share your experiences, and build your support network—just...

Welcome back to Final Approach. In today’s special episode, I’m thrilled to interview Julie Broad, the dynamic CEO and founder of BookLaunchers. Julie and her talented team helped me produce my own book, Final Approach: A Test Pilot’s Story of Caring for Loved Ones, and I’m excited to dive deep into what makes their work so impactful for nonfiction authors, the real stories behind publishing, and how meaningful books can truly change lives.

BookLaunchers is a powerhouse in the nonfiction publishing world that prides itself on producing “no boring books.” We discuss how Julie’s philosophy—that every book should be written for the reader, not the author—has helped more than 800 authors launch books that make a difference. Julie shares the holistic approach her company takes to guide authors through book creation, editing, design, marketing, and positioning, ensuring their stories have maximum impact.

We also get real about the challenges and successes of running a business in today’s fast-changing publishing landscape, including shifts brought on by artificial intelligence and online scammers. Julie opens up about her transition from Canada to Las Vegas, balancing entrepreneurship with family life, and her resilience through the 2008 economic downturn. She highlights memorable stories from authors whose books have helped communities and inspired change—like Dr. Cynthia Pan's book on end-of-life strategies and Jonathan Stanley's viral journey sharing heart-centered leadership in the corporate world.

Julie wraps up the conversation with practical advice for anyone wanting to write a nonfiction book, urging writers to focus on a specific reader and their hook, and emphasizing the power of self-publishing to produce books that look and feel traditionally published, but remain entirely yours. We close with actionable resources and how listeners can connect with Book Launchers to get started.

• No Boring Books: Nonfiction doesn’t have to be dull; impactful stories must engage and serve readers—not just the author.
• Write for the Reader: The book may be about you, but it’s written for a specific person with a problem or need; targeting your audience is key.
• Holistic Publishing Approach: Success comes from alignment throughout editing, design, and marketing, with a clear vision of the target reader.
• Self-Publishing Power: Today’s authors can publish professional, widely distributed books without storing copies in their garage—self-publishing is legitimate and accessible.
• Resilience in Business: Being adaptable and facing challenges head-on, like the 2008 recession and recent shifts in the market, is essential for entrepreneurship.
• Family and Business Balance: Parenting and launching a business in a new country requires determination, planning, and support.
• Author Impact Stories: Books like Dr. Cynthia Pan’s Exit Strategies and Jonathan Stanley’s Purposeful Performance have changed lives—and even gone viral—by connecting authentically with readers.
• Book Launchers Resources: Practical guides, a thriving YouTube channel, and hands-on help are available for anyone looking to write and publish nonfiction.

Feeling inspired to share your own story in a nonfiction book? Visit booklaunchers.com/sevensteps to grab Julie’s free guide, "7 Steps to Write a Book That’s Set Up to Sell." Dive into BookLaunchers’ YouTube channel for expert insights and connect with Julie’s team for dedicated support. Let’s keep making no boring books, telling real stories, and helping readers on their final approach.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and...

Welcome back to Final Approach, the podcast where we explore the story of caring for loved ones from the cockpit and beyond. I’m Jonathan Knaul, your host and author of the book Final Approach: Test Pilot’s Story of Caring for Loved Ones. Today’s episode is one you don’t want to miss: I’m joined by my friend, fellow test pilot, astronaut, and family man, Andy Edgell, who brings a unique perspective from high-risk aviation and personal caregiving.

In our conversation, Andy and I talk candidly about his extraordinary career as a British Royal Air Force pilot, F-35 flight tester, instructor at top test pilot schools, and now an experimental test pilot and astronaut for Virgin Galactic. We go deep into what it’s like to care for loved ones across continents. Andy opens up about supporting his parents from afar—his father, a retired British Airways pilot, is living with Alzheimer’s in the UK, while Andy raises his own family in California.

We tackle the emotional realities of being a caregiver while holding down a high-pressure career, the struggles of communicating with loved ones affected by dementia, and the tension between our “fix-it” mentality as pilots and the true needs of those we care for. We touch on the power of music therapy, the importance of vulnerability, and the need for honest, open communication when family is spread across the globe.

Key Takeaways

1. Balancing High-Pressure Careers and Family Caregiving: Andy shares the realities of being both a test pilot/astronaut and a caregiver to family members living abroad.
2. Long-Distance Caregiving: Learn strategies for supporting loved ones from afar, including the importance of regular communication and emotional connection.
3. Military Mindset and Caregiving: How the "problem-solving" approach instilled in test pilots can help—and sometimes hinder—when applied to real-life family relationships.
4. Communicating with Family Members with Dementia: Andy’s touching accounts of connecting with his father through shared passion—especially aviation and music.
5. Vulnerability in High-Stakes Professions: Why it’s crucial for test pilots, astronauts, and anyone in demanding careers to embrace vulnerability and open up about personal struggles.
6. Role of Music Therapy: We discuss the potential benefits and limitations of using music to support cognitive health in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.
7. Importance of Honest Communication: Having trusted family members who provide candid feedback is essential for maintaining healthy relationships.

If you enjoyed today’s discussion, visit FinalApproachBook.com to download your free caregiver plan, sign up for my newsletter, and learn more about my book, Final Approach. Join our community and remind yourself: you are never alone in your caregiving journey.

Share this episode with fellow caregivers, aviators, and anyone who needs support balancing career and family. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for more candid conversations about resilience, aviation, and the power of caring for those you love.

Best in care,

Jonathan