BACKSEAT
STORIES
CONVERSATIONS
IN THE SKY
Backseat Stories is a cinematic video series told from the sky—where we take flight with extraordinary people over the places that matter most to them. Focused on voices from the worlds of action sports, creative arts, and adventure, each episode pairs an authentic, in-flight conversation with a visually stunning journey above landscapes rich in personal meaning.
By combining real people, nostalgic places, and unfiltered storytelling, Backseat Stories uncovers something rare: a connection that naturally emerges in motion, far from the noise of everyday life. There’s nothing scripted—just honest dialogue, meaningful reflection, and unforgettable visuals.
Each flight becomes a one-of-a-kind piece of content that honors who someone is, where they’ve been, and what moves them forward. Studio podcasts are everywhere—but capturing real conversations in the air, over the places that shaped us, is something few can do—and no one else is doing quite like this.
LIVE
EPISODES
Free To Fly
By Caitlyn Jenner
Caitlyn Jenner reflects on five decades of flying, the highs of Olympic glory, and the freedom found in living authentically.
Carried By Whitewater
By Scott Lindgren
Scott Lindgren reflects on a life shaped by whitewater, tracing his journey through struggle, resilience, and the river that carried him home.
Checking In From Above
By Bucky Lasek
Bucky Lasek takes to the sky to revisit legendary backyard ramps and reflect on a lifetime of skate, style, and flight.
Pushing Past the Line
By Lex Nelson
Lex Nelson shares her journey from firefighter to innovator, flying high while reflecting on grit, leadership, and happiness.
Life in the Line of Fire
By Brandon Jenner
Mike and Singer-songwriter Brandon Jenner take flight over Malibu, sharing stories of family, resilience, and wildfire recovery.
Moments That Shaped the Journey
By Trent Palmer
YouTube sensation Trent Palmer reflects on his youth, selling his Kitfox, and future aircraft plans during a scenic flight.
Where The Dream Started
By Lynn Rippelmeyer
Captain Lynn Rippelmeyer soars over her hometown, Valmeyer, Illinois, reflecting on her trailblazing journey and love for aviation.
Bruised Skater, Happy Angler
By David Gravette
Professional skateboarder David Gravette takes to the skies to showcase what "fly" fishing truly means.
Outshining The Dark on Lake Tahoe
By Roy Tuscany
Athlete and High Fives Foundation Founder Roy Tuscany takes flight to discuss injury, recovery, and the new surf programs launching on Lake Tahoe.
Humor and Heart
By Jason “Wee Man” Acuna
In this Backseat Story, Jason Acuña joins Pilot Mike Daniel over California to discuss skateboarding, his career, and making a difference.
Riding The Waves Of Insight
By Grant Washburn
Pilot Mike Daniel and big wave legend Grant Washburn fly over Northern California, discussing technology for tracking Mavericks' massive waves.
The Half Brain Project
By Jim Zellers
Jim Zellers shares his story of the first and only known snowboard descent of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park.
HOW IT WORKS
Each Backseat Story begins by identifying a guest—someone with a unique perspective, an inspiring journey, or an idea worth sharing. Together, we shape the narrative and select a flight route that holds personal meaning, whether it’s tied to a past milestone, current project, or future aspiration.
Once in the air, the cameras roll and the conversation unfolds organically. There’s no script—just an honest exchange between pilot and guest, set against the backdrop of stunning, story-rich landscapes.
After the flight, we bring the story to life through a cinematic edit—combining in-flight audio, sweeping aerial footage, and supplemental visuals. From there, we work with the guest and any partners to launch the content in a way that feels natural, timely, and engaging across social, web, and media platforms.
All flights are captured in a CubCrafters FX3, a modern bush plane with short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities. It’s built for remote access, smooth handling, and scenic flying—making it the perfect vessel for storytelling from the sky.
WHY IT WORKS
What makes Backseat Stories unique isn’t just the sky—it’s the combination of authentic voices, breathtaking places, and meaningful moments. There’s no script. No pretense. Just a person, a place, and a purpose. The format naturally draws out honest reflection, making each piece feel human, grounded, and visually transportive.
MEET YOUR HOST:
MIKE DANIEL
Mike Daniel, known by his tail number N665CC, is a backcountry pilot, visual designer, and innovator dedicated to reshaping aviation through the lens of adventure, creativity, and technology. With a background in design and a deep passion for flight, he brings a unique perspective to the aviation world—one that connects the spirit of flight with modern storytelling. Through Backseat Stories, Mike seeks to inspire the next generation of pilots and aviation enthusiasts, making flying feel more accessible, exciting, and deeply personal.
BRAND AND DESTINATION PARTNERSHIPS
Each Backseat Story offers built-in alignment for brands and destination marketing organizations (DMOs) looking to connect through authentic, story-driven content.
We’ve partnered with lifestyle brands like Melin to create compelling content that reflects both brand values and personal storytelling. Similarly, DMOs can be woven into the journey—organically celebrating a destination by flying over it, filming within it, and grounding the story in its culture, character, and visual identity.
Whether it’s encouraging overnight stays, highlighting hidden gems, or simply creating shareable, cinematic content, Backseat Stories offers a storytelling format that elevates both people and places—with true authenticity and unmatched perspective.