The Journey On Podcast: Episode with Dan Brodsky-Chenfield

Release Date: April 11, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Journey On Podcast, host Warwick Schiller welcomes Dan Brodsky-Chenfield, a six-time world champion skydiver, author, and motivational speaker. Dan shares his extraordinary journey of passion, perseverance, and survival, delving into his early fascination with flight, his ascent in the competitive skydiving world, and his miraculous recovery after surviving a devastating plane crash.

Early Life and Introduction to Skydiving

Dan begins by recounting his childhood dream of flying, inspired by watching birds and superheroes. This passion led him to skydiving, where he sought the ultimate human flight experience.

Dan Brodsky-Chenfield [06:37]: "I just dreamt of flying. And, you know, as a little kid, you fantasize about these things, and you played these games all the Time."

Dan pursued a degree in aviation, initially considering a pilot career. However, his heart lay in skydiving—the raw, personal flight experience it offered was unparalleled.

Warwick Schiller [06:49]: "What did you think you were going to do with that degree? Did you want to be a pilot or anything like that?"

Dan started skydiving during his freshman year in college, quickly advancing to obtain various skydiving ratings and an FAA pilot's license.

First Skydive and Overcoming Fear

Dan's first skydive was a solo jump using military surplus parachutes with static lines—a stark contrast to today's tandem jumps. The experience was terrifying, marked by an unexpected spin during freefall.

Dan Brodsky-Chenfield [08:37]: "It was horrifying. It was the scariest experience of my life."

Through repeated jumps and mental adjustments, Dan learned to control his movements, transforming his fear into a profound sense of flying.

Dan Brodsky-Chenfield [20:19]: "Everything felt like it became quieter. It became more peaceful."

Advancement in Competitive Skydiving

Driven by his childhood dream, Dan sought to excel in skydiving, eventually discovering four-way formation skydiving—a highly competitive and athletic discipline. Despite initial setbacks, including financial constraints and team challenges, Dan's determination led him to form his own team in Arizona.

Dan Brodsky-Chenfield [43:47]: "I sold everything I owned and I moved into my van and I started heading west looking for a team."

His innovative coaching methods garnered international attention, leading to opportunities to coach teams worldwide and eventually becoming the captain of a world champion team in Paris.

Surviving the Plane Crash

At the pinnacle of his skydiving career, Dan faced the unimaginable—a plane crash during a routine training flight. Severely injured and in a coma for six weeks, Dan's resilience was tested as he fought for survival.

Dan Brodsky-Chenfield [63:15]: "I thought maybe it's a dream, but it was very real to me when I woke up."

A vivid near-death experience included an ethereal encounter with his brother James, who urged him to regain control of his life.

Dan Brodsky-Chenfield [68:00]: "He said, you need to get control of the situation."

Remarkable Recovery and Return to Skydiving

Defying medical expectations, Dan embarked on a rigorous recovery journey. Ten weeks post-surgery, despite being advised never to skydive again, Dan returned to the skies with a meticulously chosen parachute designed to minimize risk.

Dan Brodsky-Chenfield [84:10]: "I got a very old parachute, which I knew would open very slow."

His comeback was swift, allowing him to rebuild his team and eventually win multiple world championships within two years of the crash.

Philosophy on Fear and Success

Dan's relationship with fear is complex. He acknowledges fear as a natural part of pursuing passions but emphasizes the importance of not letting it hinder one's goals. His experiences taught him to distinguish between rational fears and unfounded anxieties.

Dan Brodsky-Chenfield [89:12]: "I'm not a fan of fear at all... I'm not asking for it. I'm not looking for ways to be scared."

He advocates for optimism and resilience, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.

Authorship and Wisdom

Dan authored "Above All Else," a book chronicling his survival story and offering insights into conquering fear and achieving success. Inspired by Richard Bach’s Illusions, Dan sought to provide a universal guide applicable beyond skydiving.

Dan Brodsky-Chenfield [104:20]: "You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it come true."

His book encapsulates his belief in proactive pursuit of dreams, reiterating that achieving one's goals often requires relentless effort and unwavering faith.

Closing Thoughts and Inspiration

Dan reflects on his journey, emphasizing that the pursuit of his dreams, rather than the accolades, holds the true value. His story is a testament to the power of determination, the importance of community, and the transformative potential of overcoming adversity.

Dan Brodsky-Chenfield [100:18]: "It's the pursuit of that goal... it's the choices you make that lead you there."

Warwick wraps up the episode by highlighting the profound lessons from Dan's experiences, encouraging listeners to embrace their journeys with courage and optimism.

Notable Quotes

• Dan Brodsky-Chenfield [06:37]: "I just dreamt of flying. And, you know, as a little kid, you fantasize about these things, and you played these games all the Time."
• Dan Brodsky-Chenfield [20:19]: "Everything felt like it became quieter. It became more peaceful."
• Dan Brodsky-Chenfield [43:47]: "I sold everything I owned and I moved into my van and I started heading west looking for a team."
• Dan Brodsky-Chenfield [89:12]: "I'm not a fan of fear at all... I'm not asking for it. I'm not looking for ways to be scared."
• Dan Brodsky-Chenfield [104:20]: "You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it come true."

Additional Resources

• Dan Brodsky-Chenfield's Book: Above All Else: A World Champion Skydiver's Story of Survival and What It Taught Him About Fear, Adversity, and Success – Available on Amazon.
• Dan’s Website: danbrodskychenfeld.com
• Warwick Schiller's Online Video Library: videos.warwickschiller.com

Conclusion

Dan Brodsky-Chenfield's story is a powerful reminder that the journey shapes us more profoundly than the destination. His experiences underscore the significance of resilience, the pursuit of passion, and the belief in one's ability to overcome even the most daunting challenges.

Thank you for listening to The Journey On Podcast. Be sure to subscribe and tune in for more inspiring conversations and mindful nuggets of wisdom.