Air-Check Your Life
Welcome to Air-Check You Life, formerly Learn from People who Lived it.
𝗔𝗶𝗿-𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲™ is a leadership and communication podcast grounded in real-life experience. Hosted by keynote speaker and communication strategist Mathew Blades, the show explores mental health, resilience, spiritual growth, and the leadership lessons that show up when life gets hard. Each episode features honest conversations with people who’ve lived it, turning stories into practical tools to use immediately. With decades in award-winning broadcasting and work alongside organizations like Kia, Durango Detention Center, ACMA, Panera Bread, and Willmeng Construction, Mathew brings clarity to complex conversations. If you care about stronger communication, emotional intelligence, and meaningful growth, jump in!
Find more at MathewBlades.com
Welcome to Air-Check You Life, formerly Learn from People who Lived it.
𝗔𝗶𝗿-𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲™ is a leadership and communication podcast grounded in real-life experience. Hosted by keynote speaker and communication strategist Mathew Blades, the show explores mental health, resilience, spiritual growth, and the leadership lessons that show up when life gets hard. Each episode features honest conversations with people who’ve lived it, turning stories into practical tools to use immediately. With decades in award-winning broadcasting and work alongside organizations like Kia, Durango Detention Center, ACMA, Panera Bread, and Willmeng Construction, Mathew brings clarity to complex conversations. If you care about stronger communication, emotional intelligence, and meaningful growth, jump in!
Find more at MathewBlades.com
Episodes

Friday Jan 23, 2026
Communication and the K Shaped Economy with Mary Kelly
Friday Jan 23, 2026
Friday Jan 23, 2026
On this Feel Good Friday edition of Learn From People Who Lived It, host Mathew Blades welcomes leadership economist, keynote speaker, and former U.S. Navy commander Mary Kelly.
Together, they dive into the power of clear communication in work and life, revealing why most misunderstandings stem from assuming others can read our minds.
Mary Kelly breaks down practical frameworks for leaders sharing how setting deadlines, giving reasons, and expressing appreciation can dramatically boost performance and clarity.
The conversation also explores economic patterns like the K-shaped economy, and actionable tips for financial literacy, especially for those feeling stuck.
Mary Kelly also reflects on lessons from her Navy service and highlights skills leaders need to navigate tough times. Tune in for straightforward advice to improve your communication, leadership, and financial wellbeing.
Connect with Mary here: https://productiveleaders.com/
Visit us online @
Mathew Blades - MathewBlades.com
Dr. Anna Marie Frank - https://drannamarie.com
Cortney McDermott - https://www.cortneymcdermott.com
Dr. Dave - https://www.drdaveaz.com/
Jill McMahon - Jillmcmahoncounseling.com
To get in touch with our podcast, email INFO@Learnfrompeoplewholivedit.com
If you want to use Streamyard to create a podcast like this, use this link: https://streamyard.com/pal/c/4656111098003456

Thursday Jan 22, 2026
Be a 6-week person after a tragedy, with Jill McMahon
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
Guns and Grief: Healing After Trauma with Jill McMahon
In this episode, you'll hear:
What truly happens to survivors in the aftermath of gun violence and suicideWhy grief from traumatic events like shootings or suicide is uniquely isolatingPractical ways to support those impacted, beyond platitudes or quick fixes
Mathew Blades and grief specialist Jill McMahon explore the often-overlooked experiences of survivors of gun violence and suicide loss. The conversation covers best practices for supporting friends and family highlighting the profound impact of simply “showing up” over time, and why being a “six week person” matters more than grand gestures. Jill shares insights from her book "Bulletproof," offering education and hope in reshaping how we respond to trauma.
To get in touch with our podcast, email INFO@Learnfrompeoplewholivedit.com
Visit our Guests:
Mathew Blades - MathewBlades.com
Dr. Anna Marie Frank - https://drannamarie.com
Cortney McDermott - https://www.cortneymcdermott.com
Dr. Dave - https://www.drdaveaz.com/
Jill McMahon - Jillmcmahoncounseling.com
If you want to use Streamyard to create a podcast like this, use this link: https://streamyard.com/pal/c/4656111098003456

Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
Why Radical Acceptance is the First Step in "Doing the Work"
Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
In this episode, Mathew Blades and longtime guest Dr. Dave dive deep into how the mind works—and what it really takes to get “unstuck.”
Drawing on over 30 years of psychiatric experience, Dr. Dave explains why true transformation starts with radical acceptance before digging into past traumas or tough relationships. Together, they break down the difference between externalizing blame and taking responsibility, sharing real-life stories on shifting your mindset in challenging situations.
You’ll learn about the power of metacognition. Recognizing your thought patterns in real-time and how noticing your emotional and physical responses can be the key to personal change.
Mathew and Dr. Dave also introduce their Revive and Thrive workbook and discuss Dr. Dave’s new Substack, aiming to make mental health tools accessible to all.
This episode is filled with practical wisdom for anyone looking to better understand themselves and their patterns.
To get in touch with our podcast, email INFO@Learnfrompeoplewholivedit.com
Visit our Guests:
Mathew Blades - MathewBlades.com
Dr. Anna Marie Frank - https://drannamarie.com
Cortney McDermott - https://www.cortneymcdermott.com
Dr. Dave - https://www.drdaveaz.com/
Jill McMahon - Jillmcmahoncounseling.com
If you want to use Streamyard to create a podcast like this, use this link: https://streamyard.com/pal/c/4656111098003456

Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
One Great Teaching with Cortney McDermott
Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
One great teaching with Cortney McDermott
Join Mathew Blades, author, and coach Cortney McDermott as they explore “one great teaching” rooted in Einstein’s quote: “The field is the sole governing agency of the particle.”
They discuss agency, overcoming the blame game, and how shifting our internal landscape can lead to transformation. Cortney McDermott offers practical guidance like the power of simply lying down to help listeners tap into their intuition and reset.
The episode closes with a guided meditation to deepen your connection with yourself and harness the transformative force within.
Perfect for anyone seeking inspiration and tangible tools to foster real, personal change.
Thank you for listening.
Mathew







