Grief Doesn't Stay on the Ground: A Conversation with Nikki Smith
7/8/20261 hr 14 min
Season 2 Episode 14
Grief is an inevitable part of life, but in aviation, it often remains unspoken. Whether it's the sudden loss of a colleague or the death of a loved one, grief can affect focus, decision-making, performance, and well-being in profound ways. In this episode, you'll learn how grief impacts the brain, why healthy compartmentalization is different from emotional suppression, and practical strategies pilots can use to stay grounded during difficult times. You'll also discover tools for managing grief bursts, supporting others through loss, and recognizing when it's time to step back from flying and prioritize healing.
Joining us is Nikki Smith, a death doula, grief coach, and host of the podcast Good Grief. Nikki specializes in helping individuals and families navigate end-of-life, loss, and bereavement with compassion and clarity. Together, we explore the unique challenges aviators face when coping with loss, the barriers that often prevent pilots from seeking support, and why acknowledging our mortality can ultimately help us live—and fly—with greater purpose and resilience.
Links:
Nikki Smith’s Website: Grief coaching, staff support, death doula services, blog, and resources on death and dying
Good Grief with Nikki the Death Doula: the podcast dedicated to demystifying and de-stigmatizing grief with compassion and humor
Journaling Prompts for Pilots: these journaling prompts will help give you a concrete, private, and meaningful way to work through your grief. Provided to us from Nikki, download the PDF and try five minutes of journaling; it's a fantastic method and well worth your time.
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsGita Brown· Host0:00
Welcome to the Calm Cockpit podcast, the show that helps pilots think clearly, stay calm, and perform at their best when it matters most. Each episode delivers practical strategies, real-world aviation wisdom, and mindset tools that help create confident pilots and safe flights.
Jon Niehaus· Host0:18
In aviation, we train for emergencies, but we rarely talk about one of the most challenging realities we all face: grief, loss, and mortality.
Gita Brown· Host0:26
Whether it's the sudden loss of a colleague, the death of a loved one, or even the loss of a beloved pet, grief can affect judgment, focus, and performance in ways many pilots don't expect.
Jon Niehaus· Host0:39
Today, we're joined by Nikki Smith, the death doula. She's a grief coach and also a host of a podcast called Good Grief, to explore how aviators can navigate loss while staying safe, resilient, and grounded.
Gita Brown· Host0:53
You'll learn practical tools for managing grief in the cockpit, supporting others through loss, and understanding why grief isn't something you get over, it's something that you learn to carry.
Jon Niehaus· Host1:03
So settle in and join us for this important conversation on grief, healing, and what it means to be fully human in aviation.
Gita Brown· Host1:11
The Calm Cockpit podcast starts now.
Unknown speaker1:14
[upbeat music] [aircraft engine roaring]