LiftAffect has been working with professional pilots, airlines, flight departments, pilot unions, and pilot assistance programs throughout the world since 2007. Established by commercial airline pilot, mental health professional, and mental skills coach Matt McNeil, LiftAffect specializes in helping professional pilots with depression, anxiety, acute/chronic stress, complex trauma, mental performance issues, as well as alcohol and drug dependency/abuse concerns. LiftAffect is the industry leader in assisting professional pilots with mental health and mental performance-related concerns. We understand the challenges of operating in your environment, because we have operated there ourselves. LiftAffect is committed to providing the most accessible, comprehensive, protective, and effective services available to professional pilots, allowing them the ability to receive the help they rightfully deserve while preserving their ability to fly. At LiftAffect, we are Solution Focused and Results Driven.
The LiftAffect Podcast: Mental Health and Mental Skills Coaching for High-achieving, Overworked, & Overstressed Professionals
Mental Health and Mental Skills Coaching for the Underground (and often Invisible) High-Achieving, Overworked & Overstressed Professionals Working in High-Risk and High-Liability Professions.
Episodes

16 minutes ago
16 minutes ago
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Click here to check out LiftAffect's Mental Skills for Value-Based Living Online Course!
From the cockpit to the operating room, setting professional boundaries is crucial in high-stakes environments. Inspired by a heartfelt email from a listener - an anesthesiologist and newly-minted instrument pilot - this brief episode tackles the challenge of maintaining firm safety boundaries without damaging professional relationships. Featuring practical strategies and real-world examples that resonate across industries where lives depend on clear decision-making. Whether you're managing crew schedules or operating room pressures, learn how to stand your ground professionally and effectively. Enjoy!
For more information, please visit the following websites:
- LiftAffect Website
- The V1 Project Website

Friday Feb 07, 2025
Friday Feb 07, 2025
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Click here to check out LiftAffect's Mental Skills for Value-Based Living Online Course!
In this episode, Matt and Karl discuss the complexities of aviation safety, emphasizing the challenges posed by perfectionism and the importance of embracing risk. They explore how the pursuit of perfection can create blind spots and hinder decision-making, while acknowledging the inherent randomness of life and aviation. The conversation highlights the need for continuous learning and resilience in the face of mistakes, ultimately advocating for a more human approach to high-stakes professions. Enjoy!
For more information, please visit the following websites:
- LiftAffect Website
- The V1 Project Website
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Friday Jan 24, 2025
Friday Jan 24, 2025
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Click here to check out LiftAffect's Mental Skills for Value-Based Living Online Course!
In this brief episode, Matt discusses the concept of living in 'day-tight compartments' as introduced by Sir William Osler. Drawing from Osler's teachings and Dale Carnegie's insights, Matt encourages you to concentrate on today's tasks to prepare for tomorrow, highlighting that true life exists in the now. Enjoy!
For more information, please visit the following websites:
- LiftAffect Website
- The V1 Project Website

Friday Jan 17, 2025
Friday Jan 17, 2025
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Click here to check out LiftAffect's Mental Skills for Value-Based Living Online Course!
In this episode, Matt addresses mental health and performance questions posed by Karl from Ask Me Anything questions asked by various professionals, including law enforcement, public defenders, air traffic controllers, and other high-stress occupations. The hosts emphasize that while their podcast primarily targets aviation professionals, their insights apply broadly across many fields. They discuss the stigma surrounding mental health support, the need for regular check-ins with mental health professionals, and the balance between empathy and self-care for public defenders. The conversation also covers practical strategies for maintaining mental sharpness in air traffic control, common misconceptions about mental performance, and the role of physical fitness in building resilience. Enjoy!
For more information, please visit the following websites:
- LiftAffect Website
- The V1 Project Website

Friday Jan 10, 2025
Friday Jan 10, 2025
Click here to become a subscriber to receive exclusive content! |
Click here to sign up to receive LiftAffect's Weekly Gouge Newsletter!
Click here to check out LiftAffect's Mental Skills for Value-Based Living Online Course!
In this episode, Matt and Karl reflect on their journey since starting the podcast in 2022, discussing personal experiences, healthcare challenges, and the impact of mental health on individuals. They delve into the complexities and the implications of FAA regulations on pilot mental health. Matt and Karl recap the topics covered in 2024 (wow, what a year!). They also delve into the development of innovative sleep treatment approaches, culminating in the expansion of coaching services at LiftAffect. Enjoy!
For more information, please visit the following websites:
- LiftAffect Website
- The V1 Project Website

Wednesday Dec 25, 2024
Wednesday Dec 25, 2024
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Click here to check out LiftAffect's Mental Skills for Value-Based Living Online Course!
In this episode, Matt and Karl delve into the theme of gratitude during this holiday season. They share personal stories that highlight the importance of family and the joy of giving back to the community. The conversation shifts to scientific insights on gratitude, discussing research that shows how keeping gratitude journals can significantly boost happiness and well-being. They explore practical ways to cultivate gratitude in daily life, emphasizing the need for intentionality and effort. They also reflect on their personal role models who exemplify humility and gratitude, encouraging listeners to recognize and express appreciation for the positive influences in their lives. The episode concludes with a reminder to find gratitude in everyday moments, no matter how small, and to share that gratitude with others. Enjoy!
For more information, please visit the following websites:
- LiftAffect Website
- The V1 Project Website

Friday Dec 20, 2024
Friday Dec 20, 2024
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In this episode, Matt and Karl discuss the challenges faced by aviation professionals and first responders during the holiday season. They explore themes of community engagement, the stress of working during holidays, family dynamics, maintaining physical wellbeing, and emotional resilience. They emphasize the importance of creating personal holiday plans, utilizing technology for connection, and practicing self-care strategies to navigate the unique pressures of the season. Enjoy!
For more information, please visit the following websites:
- LiftAffect Website
- The V1 Project Website

Friday Dec 13, 2024
Friday Dec 13, 2024
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In this episode, Matt and Karl discuss how to transform overthinking into effective decision-making in high-stakes environments. They present the Two-Minute Rule Framework, which breaks decision-making into manageable phases, along with practical strategies for implementation in both training and real-world scenarios. Through examples from aviation and healthcare, they demonstrate that the key to success isn't thinking less, but thinking better through structured analysis and team integration.
For more information, please visit the following websites:
- LiftAffect Website
- The V1 Project Website

Friday Dec 06, 2024
Friday Dec 06, 2024
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In this episode , Matt explores the challenging phenomenon of overthinking in high-risk, high-liability industries. Through real-world examples from airline pilots and surgeons, he breaks down how overthinking can impact even the most experienced professionals. Drawing from his background in both aviation and psychotherapy, and mental performance coaching, Matt shares three powerful, scientifically-backed techniques: the 54321 situational awareness reset, the future debrief perspective shift, and the professional anchor reset. Each method is illustrated with case studies and practical applications, making this episode essential listening for any professional looking to maintain peak performance under pressure. Whether you're in the cockpit, operating room, or any high-stakes environment, these actionable strategies offer a clear path to breaking free from overthinking while maintaining crucial analytical skills. Enjoy!
For more information, please visit the following websites:
- LiftAffect Website
- The V1 Project Website

Friday Nov 29, 2024
Friday Nov 29, 2024
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In this episode recorded while walking his dog on a snowy Colorado morning, Matt explores a different approach to gratitude, especially relevant during the post-Thanksgiving season. Rather than forcing traditional gratitude practices, he guides listeners through a gentle exercise focused on neutral observation and present-moment awareness. Perfect for those who find the holidays challenging or feel disconnected from conventional gratitude practices, this episode offers a compassionate alternative to the sometimes overwhelming pressure to "feel grateful." Through simple breathing exercises and mindful observations, Matt demonstrates how we can stay connected to our lives without forcing positive emotions, acknowledging that it's okay to struggle with gratitude during difficult times. Enjoy!
For more information, please visit the following websites:
- LiftAffect Website
- The V1 Project Website
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