U.S. Airforce Fighter Pilots, Michelle ‘Mace’ Curran and Marty ‘Munster’ Schulting, weigh in on how to face your fears and overcome self-doubt when you’re up against the next big challenge.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify

face your fears - Live Boldly with Sara Schulting Kranz -

Facing Fears, Overcoming Self-Doubt and Rising to the Heights of the Next Challenge

Michelle Curran has led an impressive career as a Fighter Pilot during her 13 years in the United States Air Force. From 2019-2021, she flew as the only female pilot for the Air Force Thunderbirds and performed for millions across the country and internationally. Michelle was also named the Distinguished Alumna of the Year by the University of St. Thomas in 2021. She has been featured on several well-known media platforms, including The Kelly Clarkson Show, CBS Evening News, and Glamour.

Before joining the Thunderbirds, Michelle was a combat proven fighter pilot completing missions across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. She has a passion for pushing her limits, inspiring others, and changing lives.

As the Lead Solo for the Thunderbirds, Michelle realized the flying was cool, but the best part was inspiring others to overcome their fears and pursue their dreams. Since transitioning out of the military, she has founded her company, Upside Down Dreams, and is committed to empowering men and women of all ages to overcome obstacles and the fear of failure. She has inspired thousands through her passion for breaking barriers and setting the example of what can be accomplished through handwork.

When Michelle isn’t speaking, she volunteers as part of the Veteran’s Outdoor Advocacy Group, spends time with her stepson and husband rock climbing, and pursues her mountaineering goals. Michelle and her family enjoy their home city of Las Vegas as a hub to adventure from.

 

Intro

Hello, everyone! Marty Schulting and Michelle Curran are on today’s show. Today, we talk about their journeys starting in small towns, Michelle’s experience as a minority in the field, living with the adventure mindset, moving on into the next phase of life, overcoming imposter syndrome, the catalytic moments that have changed their lives, and their most memorable flights.

Let’s dive in!

In this Episode you’ll learn:

  • [10:53] Michelle’s story.
  • [11:46] The Thunderbirds.
  • [12:55] Marty’s story.
  • [14:44] Coming from a small town.
  • [22:34] Channeling your focus.
  • [25:47] The adventure mindset.
  • [28:02] Their most uncomfortable events.
  • [36:50] Feeling the need to move on.
  • [40:45] Imposter syndrome.
  • [47:20] Searching for the next phase.
  • [48:32] Advice to their younger selves.
  • [53:50] Talking to their future selves.
  • [60:06] Focusing on what really matters.
  • [63:24] The moment that changed them.
  • [73:05] Most memorable flight.
  • [76:10] Words of wisdom.

 

Quotes:

  • “The key to progress is having the courage to start something when you’re not ready, but believing in yourself enough to know you’ll figure it out as you go.” [43:24]
  • “If you really wanted to, you would.” [47:05]
  • “All those doubts and fears that you have, everyone is experiencing.” [49:09]
  • “If it’s inevitable, it’s immediate.” [50:32]
  • “Everything is trash.” [58:21]
  • “Nothing really matters except the relationships that you carry forward with your people.” [58:30]
  • “Every decision you make costs you something. The cost of stagnating is always a bigger burden.” [77:07]
  • “Getting uncomfortable is key.” [78:06]

 

Links Mentioned: 

Connect with Michelle:

Website:                      macecurran.com.

 

Connect with Marty:

 

Message Sara!

Website:                      saraschultingkranz.com