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

4 days ago
4 days ago
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Click here to check out LiftAffect's Mental Skills for Value-Based Living Online Course!
Click here to check out LiftAffect's Effortless Sleep Solution Online Course!
In this episode, Matt and Karl explore the profound insights from David Foster Wallace's commencement speech, 'This is Water,' and its applications for pilots' mental health. Matt shares strategies for maintaining mindfulness in high-pressure cockpit environments, identifying emotional patterns that affect flight performance, and building psychological resilience. The discussion covers the importance of awareness in navigating both professional and personal challenges, supportive systems in aviation, and how mindful practices enhance pilot wellbeing, offering practical wisdom for maintaining mental health in the demanding world of aviation. Enjoy!
For more information, please visit the following websites:
- LiftAffect Website
- The V1 Project Website

Friday Apr 11, 2025
Friday Apr 11, 2025
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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!
Click here to check out LiftAffect's Effortless Sleep Solution Online Course!
In this episode, Matt and Karl explore how investors can manage psychological challenges during market volatility. Matt shares strategies for maintaining rational decision-making in uncertain times, identifying emotional patterns that undermine financial performance, and building resilience. The discussion covers the importance of historical knowledge, structured financial planning, and how innovation drives economic growth, offering practical insights for navigating market turbulence. Enjoy!
For more information, please visit the following websites:
- LiftAffect Website
- The V1 Project Website

Friday Apr 04, 2025
Friday Apr 04, 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!
Click here to check out LiftAffect's Effortless Sleep Solution Online Course!
In this episode, Matt and Karl tackle listener questions about staying mentally sharp in high-pressure professions. They share practical techniques for handling stress in the moment, dealing with disrupted sleep patterns, and staying engaged when working with automated systems.
Their conversation explores how pilots can openly discuss personal challenges with their crew while maintaining professionalism. Matt and Karl draw from their experience to discuss real-world strategies for mental preparation before demanding flights and recovery afterward.
Their discussion emphasizes creating a psychologically safe environment in the cockpit where concerns can be voiced without judgment. Whether you're in aviation or another field where clear thinking under pressure matters, you'll find valuable insights on building mental resilience when it counts most. Enjoy!
For more information, please visit the following websites:
- LiftAffect Website
- The V1 Project Website

Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Thursday Mar 13, 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!
Click here to check out LiftAffect's Effortless Sleep Solution Online Course!
In this episode, Matt and Karl engage in a candid discussion about mental health, emphasizing the importance of sleep, energy management, and the impact of modern lifestyle choices. They explore the core principles of mental health, including the significance of love and connection, and how to manage unfinished business in various aspects of life. Enjoy!
For more information, please visit the following websites:
- LiftAffect Website
- The V1 Project Website

Friday Mar 07, 2025
Friday Mar 07, 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!
Click here to check out LiftAffect's Effortless Sleep Solution Online Course!
In this episode, Matt and Karl discuss the launch of LiftAffect's comprehensive 12-week course, "The Lift Effect Effortless Sleep Solution." Matt shares his personal struggle with insomnia and explains why traditional approaches like CBTI often fall short. The course is built around a revolutionary philosophy that insomnia is caused by "fear of wakefulness" and introduces the "gas and brake" model of sleep. They explain how excessive attention to sleep paradoxically makes it harder to achieve, and outline the course structure which includes weekly videos, group sessions, and ongoing support. This program aims to help participants rebuild a natural, effortless relationship with sleep without relying on supplements or complicated sleep hygiene rules.
For more information, please visit the following websites:
- LiftAffect Website
- The V1 Project Website

Friday Feb 21, 2025
Friday Feb 21, 2025
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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 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 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

Friday Jan 24, 2025
Friday Jan 24, 2025
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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 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 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 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
