The Malibu Guru

In this profoundly moving episode, Joe welcomes Staton West, a military veteran, commercial pilot, and friend, who shares his honest journey through alcoholism, military service, and recovery via the HIMS program. Staton discusses the pressures of military life, the emotional challenges of transitioning to civilian aviation, and how faith, community, and structured accountability were crucial to his sobriety. This is part one of a two-part conversation. Tune in next week for Part 2.

✈️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How addiction can take root in high-performance careers like the military and aviation
What the HIMS Program is and how it helps pilots return to the cockpit
The emotional and mental toll of leaving military life behind
The importance of faith, support systems, and mentorship in recovery
A message of hope, healing, and redemption for anyone facing addiction
This is more than a story of recovery; it's a story of resilience, transformation, and the power of second chances.
👉 If you’re a pilot, veteran, or someone walking through recovery, this episode is for you.

HIMS Program: https://himsprogram.com/about-hims/

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What is The Malibu Guru?

The Malibu Guru Podcast is your go-to source for all things PA46. Whether you’re flying one, thinking about buying one, or just love aviation, this show is for you. We dive into everything from aircraft acquisition, training, and ownership tips to real-world flying experiences. What sets us apart? We talk directly with the people who know the PA46 best, the owners, pilots, and experts who make up the vibrant PA46 community. These are real conversations with real people, sharing insights, lessons learned, and stories you won’t hear anywhere else.