🎧 Listen Now: TALK4 Episode 150 – Col Nathan “Sheik” Malafa on Spotify
✈️ Episode 150 Milestone – A True Aviation Icon Joins TALK4
For our landmark 150th episode of the TALK4 Podcast, we had to bring on someone truly elite — and that’s exactly what we did. This week, I sat down with Colonel Nathan “Sheik” Malafa, Commander and Leader of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and the pilot flying Thunderbird #1.
With over 3,500 fighter flight hours and nearly 850 in combat, Col Malafa has flown the F-15E Strike Eagle, F-35, and now commands one of the most recognisable flight teams on the planet — the Thunderbirds, flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
But behind the aerial precision and airshow glamour is a man forged by challenge, leadership under pressure, and an undying commitment to inspire the next generation.
🚀 What We Talked About
In this powerful and insight-packed episode, Col Malafa opens up about everything from his childhood dreams of flying to the extreme demands of leading a 130-person squadron responsible for some of the tightest formation flying in the world.
🔥 Highlights:
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The “spark” moment that ignited his aviation dream watching an F-15 airshow as a kid
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What it’s like to fly inches apart from other jets at over 500 mph — with no autopilot
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The combat mission in Afghanistan that pushed his limits and shaped his leadership style
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The science and art of decision-making under pressure
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How the Thunderbirds train to perfection — and why most never make it to their closest formation tier
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Why morale, culture, and humility are the true fuel behind elite military teams
🧠 Lessons from the Top: Leadership, Grit, and Performance Under Fire
This conversation wasn’t just about jets and maneuvers — it was about leadership.
Col Malafa shared his personal journey through ROTC, weapons school, test flying the F-35, and ultimately becoming Thunderbird #1. He reflected deeply on imposter syndrome, failure, and the importance of mentorship, giving listeners an unfiltered look at what it really takes to rise through the ranks and lead with confidence.
As a leader, he emphasised the importance of:
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Fundamentals: Master the basics to handle chaos when conditions shift.
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Team Culture: A high-performance team doesn’t just form — it’s cultivated daily.
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Calculated Risk: Real-world leadership means balancing precision with instinct.
His story is the perfect blend of Top Gun grit and grounded wisdom — a rare combo that will speak to aspiring pilots, business leaders, and driven individuals alike.
🎯 A Few Key Takeaways:
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Elite flying is all manual — no fancy tech. Just grit, trust, and hours of training.
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Leadership is about making others shine, not standing out.
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Success isn’t linear — Col Malafa failed rides, doubted himself, and kept showing up.
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The Thunderbirds’ mission is to recruit, retain, and inspire — with an emphasis on inspiration.
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Behind every solo pass and formation are hundreds of hours of hidden work by unsung heroes.
📽 Col Malafa’s Favourite Moment
One of the most emotional moments in the episode was when Col Malafa reflected on passing the torch to the next Thunderbird Commander. After pouring his soul into the team for two years, he described the experience as bittersweet, sharing how leadership is also about letting go with honour and ensuring that the legacy continues stronger than ever.
📺 Watch More Episodes Like This:
If you loved this one, check out these other top TALK4 military aviation features:
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Col Douglas “Beaker” Wickert | Commander of the 412th Test Wing – EP 147
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Captain Brian Schrum | CO of USS Theodore Roosevelt – EP 132
🔗 Useful Links
🎧 Listen on Spotify: Episode 150 – Col Nathan Malafa
📕 Get the Book: “150 Secrets to Greatness”
⌚ AVI-8 Watches: Use code LOUISSKUPIEN20 for 20% off: avi-8.com/talk4
🛍️ Start Your Business: Launch your store for £1: Shopify
📸 Follow Me: @louisskupien | @talk4podcast
🗣 Final Thoughts
TALK4 has always been about bringing you inside the minds of top performers, but this one hit different. Col Malafa’s blend of combat-tested leadership, humility, and inspirational energy made this a defining moment for the show.
Whether you’re a pilot, leader, athlete, or just someone chasing your next level — this episode will light a fire under you.
💬 Got a favourite moment from the episode? Let me know in the comments below or message me on IG!
Until next time,
Louis Skupien
