Human Connection at 30,000 Feet with Adam Erwin | Lessons From Coach

What if we treated everyone like they were stage four of something?

We’re all carrying something we can’t always see. In this episode, I talk with author and storyteller Adam Erwin about what happens when we slow down and choose to lean in, to really see people instead of scanning past them. Adam shares the life-altering moment on a post-9/11 flight that changed how he moves through the world and ultimately led him to launch a multi-year project: interviewing strangers on airplanes and capturing their stories in his book Lessons from Coach.

For anyone feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to make a difference, Adam’s story is a reminder that presence is power. By leaning into the moment, we don’t just change someone else’s day.

We change ourselves, too.

Takeaways from Adam’s life shift:

• He realized that judgment was robbing him of connection and chose curiosity instead.
• His small act of leaning in sparked a five-year project filled with empathy and meaning.
• Modeling daily kindness (especially for his kids) rewired how he sees the world and how others see themselves.

🎧 Listen now at www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/189

Guest Bio:

Adam Erwin is a speaker and author of three books. His latest book, Lessons From Coach: Restoring Empathy, Curiosity, and Being Present One Flight At a Time, captures the lessons he learned from passengers that he interviewed on plane flights... in coach. Adam is a father of two daughters, a fitness and health enthusiast, and is on a mission to challenge others to see more value in the person next to you. Learn more about Adam, his books, and his work at authoradamerwin.com.

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The Life Shift Podcast shares real, honest conversations about the pivotal moments that transform lives. Host Matt Gilhooly invites guests to explore the life-changing events, unexpected challenges, and personal awakenings that have shaped who they are today. 

Through candid storytelling, listeners discover powerful journeys of identity, resilience, grief, healing, and growth. If you’re drawn to personal growth stories, inspired by how people rebuild after loss, or fascinated by the quiet moments that spark profound change, The Life Shift offers heartfelt insight and inspiration. New episodes every Tuesday.

Listen in and find connection in the stories that make us who we are.

For more information, please visit: https://www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com