From Small Town Girl to Fighter Pilot - Interview with Mace Curran *LIVE* 7-11-22 8ET

Join me for a live interview with Michelle “Mace” Curran, former Thunderbird and F-16 pilot. Mace was the second woman ever to fly in the lead solo position since the team began in 1953. She’s currently a motivational speaker, empowering others to face their fears and excel under pressure with “Upside Down Dreams.” You can learn more on her website: www.macecurran...
"The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement."
Views presented are my own and do not represent the views of DoD or its Components.

[@freddimon94]

I met Michelle years ago in ABQ. I work for an airline and got to go see the jets up close. She was so cool. She let me climb up and look into the cockpit. She was so humble and didn’t look down her nose at us 40 year old dorks asking questions like little kids. Great interview!

[@ThomasCrowne]

What an incredible aviator. I met one of the Blue Angels once and didn't see a thread of self doubt in that pilot. Major Curran has an incredible story if people heard it. She reflects and introspects her performance like a professional athelete, which she really is. Great interview of a hard working warrior and ambassador of the United States Air Force.

[@mikel3188]

Man what an impressive pilot, I really enjoyed Mace's story... Thanks for another great interview Mover.

[@stevegyro1]

Ditto’s to Mike L. Amazing video which was fun and educational.

[@flightscapeaviationphoto]

“Down to earth” and engaging doesn’t even begin to describe what a terrific person she is. She’s so genuine and self aware. This is one of Mover’s best interviews IMO. Priceless. 🇺🇸🤙. The way she connects to the fans, the little girls especially showing them that THEY can do this too.

[@tommynikon2283]

The stories of Mace’s struggles- the doubts, and the OVERCOMING…..is a Hollywood movie that needs to be told. #INSPIRING

[@solarwizzo8667]

Mace, you are great! Having gone through doubting myself all my early life and flying career I ended up as a retired GAF TORNADO WSO, FWIC graduate and FWIC instructor. The biggest threat all throughout my carrier have been dis-trusting myself of what I can achieve, not the F-16 Aggressors at Nellis or the Serbian SA-6´s over Yugoslavia... Thanks for this interview! Mover, thanks for hosting her!

[@CommomsenseSmith]

She’s definitely inspiring. She’s got brains looks and drive. You should be inspired by her success. On another note I happened to have an accidental air show by the Thunderbirds while I was driving over a bridge in FL several years ago. Just awesome. Thank you for your service 🇺🇸.

[@waitbalthy6342]

@@hayleyandkilo lmao I shudder to think what you look like. She’s the lead solo of the thunderbirds, and your stuck exposing your pathetically sad life leaving bitter comments on KZbin.

[@baomao7243]

The Bumble story was priceless. Hearing it brought back memories - awkwardness/discomfort almost like Napoleon Dynamite and the awesomeness of being with someone where it really clicks. Fabulous. Golden experience.

[@arturowatson]

I am blown away Mace. You have inspired me and I am sharing your story with my daughter. ❤

[@thomasirwin4099]

This was absolute magic, Mover. Mace is a great interview (someone who tells her story very well and has such excellent charisma), but the two of you established such an obvious rapport and connection that it was even more of a treat to watch. Mace, thanks for being a DELIGHT to hear the stories from, and Mover- please keep on keeping on. I'm a recent graduate from medical school, and there's a lot of uncertainty ahead, and the things you, Wombat, and Mace talk about remind me on a regular basis to just keep my feet moving and not to let the moment become bigger than me. Thanks again- be safe!

[@dmor3359]

Good luck in your career Doc!

[@dennishook6529]

I am so impressed with Mace and her story. One of my best friends was a navy fighter pilot (f14) so she was a while back. But the brain power to do what they do is incredible. The fact they have to not only fly that impressive machinery, but learn about radars, weapons, enemy weapons etc all on top of that is very impressive. So proud she is with us and doing such a great job!

[@georgecooksey8216]

Re-watching here with my 16 year old niece. Mace is a terrific guest and certainly a role model for young women regardless of profession or aspirations.

[@Flipper-mno13]

Thanks to Mace, Mover, and Doug for one of the best interviews ever. Mace, you are an inspiration to women in every walk of life. If you need some guidance on writing that book, Mover and WOMBAT are the guys to ask. Make them tell you no, and never down, never out are not just words to these two. 👍🇺🇸💜 P.S. Welcome back Doug.

[@Doug_Narby]

Kathi, thanks. Life happens lol.

[@jeffhanson9244]

Another great interview. Thanks Mace for providing a great role model for young girls out there. I flew the Warthog, Phantom and Viper but I whistled reveille to my 2 daughters so I might have to use a different tactic to inspire my 4 soon to be 5 granddaughters to be fighter pilots.

[@tbuff91]

Mace has done a lot of positive things to help promote the Air Force and Thunderbirds. She should be more than proud of her accomplishments, also think it's great she's paving the way for future generations of female fighter pilots to follow in her footsteps.

[@BullGator-kd6ge]

I saw the 2021 Thunderbirds team perform at an airshow in NH. Got signatures from every pilot BUT Mace before they were called for debriefing. She had the largest crowd around her, mostly little girls so I can’t be too mad at that. Inspirational only scratches the surface.

[@matkodoris9099]

This lady is absolutely delightful. Great interview!

[@chriszilar3657]

Such a great interview!!! Saw her fly in Tucson last year! Literally driving thru the boneyard as they flew in and saw them do some practice while in the buses! As it turns out..we where the first bus tour of boneyard since covid shut down. Aside from that…MACE was such a great interview and I’m so happy for her new venture. I love hearing how you all overcome obstacles and persevere! Thank you both for your amazing service and stories! God bless

[@aaronzeiger216]

What an uplifting story. On the civilian side, I went from a 100 hour private pilot to a CFII with a sea plane rating and low level training in around 4 and a half months. It was the hardest thing I ever did and I questioned myself EXACTLY like Mace did! Every emotion she went through I know well. I almost quit more times than I can count.

[@aauwhatitdo1582]

Great woman, great pilot, and a hell of an inspirational story. Great interview as always.

[@texasstuff1281]

Mover, I watched your Wombat interview this weekend, and now MACE. You, Wombat and Mace have great lessons and inspiration for young people, but I gotta tell you, as an older guy, 61, there are lessons learned for me as well. If we stop growing we stop living, and I learn from this channel often. The Mental health conversations, Make em tell you no, never down, never out and Imposter Syndrome ( that has been me on so many levels), being a good dude, all of it. I am a pretty successful guy, but a divorce just over three years ago really got in my head. All three of you have helped me on both my professional and personal lives. Please keep doing what you are doing. Awesome stuff!

[@Canberra67]

What an truly wonderful interview, with an inspirational person. Amazing to hear that she has suffered from imposter syndrome - but just goes to show that it can affect anyone, even pilots.

[@MZ-bl6wg]

This honestly was one of my favorite KZbin videos /experiences I’ve had., not just that Mace as someone I sadly wasn’t aware of but found to be a truly captivating speaker , her wild ride and a happy beautiful smile kept me so interested . Especially as a combat pilot that flew the F-16 CAS mission in Afghanistan,,,my amount of respect for jsut thst service alone is immeasurable as someone with a good number of Afghanistan Combat infantry friends , convoy security and 1 Kiiowa light attack /recon helicopter pilot that spent most his deployments a escorting convoys and even filling the CAS role when assets weren’t available it near , even if it meant flying in Winchester and using their M4’s from the pilot seat.. My infantry friends have amazing stories and love for the F16’s , A10’s, Apaches and Kiowas thst saved their lives countless times as CAS assets. Josh the Kiowa pilot near the end of his 6th deployment to Afghanistan was shot down by small arms fire and attributed their lives to an F16 and then 2 A10’s that loitered over the site to keep the talibans heads down until a doll Soecial Operations team thst had a JTAC attached overheard the mayday and were on a nearby ridge top in a recon mission . They got to josh and his copilot and the 2 remaining A10’s had to leave but he said it was the F16 and A10’s thst kept them from being overrun /found . Sadly he left the military weeks later at the end of his 6th deployment to be with his boys and wife considering the last incident a sign. Less than 2 weeks after getting home he got a job as a new pilot for the division of wildlife flying a new helicopter they were granted . He loved it and tragicly and ironically 5 weeks after getting home he and 2 wildlife officers were killed when his helicopter hit a valley crossing ridge top mountain power line thst went from 1 ridge too to the next spanning the river valley over 850 feet below . The FAA attributed it to soenthing not uncommon of experienced combat pilots used to danger every time they go up and constantly scan for RPGs and attacks from below constantly , serving in Afgansitan in areas without power with 4 deployments primarily Spent in the Spinghars , mountains with no power lines . The 850 high line was likely the last thing he was watching for and the respite said combat environment pilots can slip into a sense of false security and complacency or by habit even l scanning t he ground and feeling safe out of combat environments taken down by things like power lines . My point is the 2 A10’s and the first responding F16 allowed him to be rescued and see his wife and children for the 5 weeks before passing and my another infantry friends hve a very special place in their heart for the CAS mission supporting aircraft so Thankyou for your service and for caring about the boots on the ground so much. What an amazing story and human being .

[@-Cece]

You set the bar high for yourself Mover - great interview! Thank you Mace for sharing your story and your time. I know this wasn't a paid speaking engagement but this will be a far reaching interview with potential opportunities to come. God Bless you both, and thank you for your service. 🇺🇸

[@smjj08]

Been following MACE for a while, this was so cool to have her break all the things we all have wondered about down, much luck to her, she is incredible and humble! Thanks Mover.

[@acefox1]

What a fantastic interview! Great job Mace and Mover! Seeing Mace being so down to Earth and talking about experiencing difficulties, struggles and imposter syndrome was incredibly fascinating and relatable!

[@petesmith8362]

Great interview! Such an amazing young woman! Thank you both for your service!

[@44lucas]

That is an interview I want to show to my daugthers. Very inspirational!

[@talesofcanterbury42]

What an amazing person. Thank you for your service.

[@erievon1]

I've followed Mace on the Gram for about 2 years now. She's great. Excellent interview!

[@algeils9789]

Another inspiring interview, thanks Mace & Mover! 🫡🇺🇸

[@davidgpeterson]

She is such an inspiration and an absolute BEAST of a pilot.

[@walt8089]

One of the best and impressive interviews I have ever watched ! VERY INSPIRING young lady !!! Thank You both for your service to our Country.

[@Primus54]

I’m a little late to this party and almost never watch a video that’s over an hour, but I was mesmerized by this and watched it all the way through. I’m a baby boomer and am proud to say Mace has inspired this old guy! I checked out her website after watching and played the clip of 7-year old Amelia meeting her idol, Mace, on the Kelly Clarkson show. Seeing Mace interact with Amelia is awesome.

[@LouT1501]

I must compliment you on this interview. These are one of the best parts of your channel, true gems whether its current pilots or folks who have made history. Mace was great! I look forward to more, sir. Thank you!

[@Vograx]

That was awesome and inspiring. Plus really cool to get some insights on Michelles story and the behind the curtains stuff with the team!

[@JJK657]

This was another great interview Mover... You do a great job of letting your guests talk and just minimally guiding the conversation. On a related note, any chance we can some bomber pilot interviews?

[@INOD-2]

@TAC80 In a recent live Q & A, you asked C.W. if "the future Mrs. Mover" would appear on the channel. He said, "Maybe, but probably not, because of privacy," without denying that such a person exists. Do you know--is he engaged to be married? If so, is it Brooklyn from the night helo flight?

[@JJK657]

@@INOD-2 I have absolutely no idea. I was just giving him a hard time. I would never pry into his personal life like that.

[@INOD-2]

@@JJK657 OK, I was just wondering if you knew something he hasn't revealed here, because he didn't deny that there WAS a "future Mrs. Mover" in his response. None of MY business, either; just wondered. Thanks for the response.

[@JJK657]

@@INOD-2 No problem.. although I may start a rumor that the "future mrs. mover" is Gonky's younger sister.... lol

[@INOD-2]

@@JJK657 Haha. Not sure Gonky would/should allow her to do that! I thought maybe I had missed the big announcement when you asked him and he didn't deny it. Maybe there is such a lady; he's just keeping it quiet. His business. It does kind of worry me for some KZbinrs with young families who reveal everything about their kids and personal lives on this platform. Lots of weirdos out there who could take advantage of too much information.

[@hemanttheentertainer9904]

Superb and very candid interview. Loved watching.

[@J_JetClips]

That was great, shot up to near the top of Mover's interviews for me...thanks guys

[@jennscott6858]

Great interview, Mover! And thanks to MACE for sharing her story! Gonna have to give it another listen. So many good points!

[@MrRideabighorse]

This was by far my favorite interview.

[@KentKnightsHighlight]

Fantastic interview! What an impressive story. She is a true inspiration to people everywhere, especially young girls and women. My daughter needs to see this.

[@gregorymaupin6388]

What an Amazing and Fantastic Young Woman who is a beautiful and blessed and what great mentor for young women these days. This from an old Sailor, God Bless your family Mace.

[@scottmattern482]

I could listen to these people all day.

[@tonywatkins6139]

Enjoyed this interview a lot. Validated a lot of what I’ve experienced in my own life and career too. Goes to show that you’re not alone when you doubt yourself. Ask for help directly, don’t wait for others to stop and give it to you. Same on the flip side: help people out or give them encouragement, even when on the outside they might look ‘just fine’. A helping hand or mentorship can make all the difference in somebody’s life.

[@SkyriderOfficial]

She was in a thunderbirds show in Rionegro, Colombia. My daughter was impressed and inspired when she signed an autograph for her. Thanks 🙏

[@cwo8771]

Enjoyed the Interview with Mace. Impressive young lady. Took the kids to a T-bird show at Sheppard AFB in Oct. 2019, so guess maybe we got to see her fly. Recently listening to Danger Close by Amber Smith, Army Kiowa pilot with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Also an impressive young lady. I think she would make a good interview. I love listen to “war stories,” but it is nice, and a bit unique, to hear service/war stories from women who have served.

[@gpridgenjr1781]

Great interview with Mace! Thanks for all you do Mover!

[@ChristopherSterwerf]

Outstanding interview! I hope to show my 12 year old daughter. Great story! Very inspirational!

[@Bronco-1776]

Yeah...help your daughter grow up to take on the men's roles in a healthy society.

[@velcro62]

@@Bronco-1776 cry harder. #snowflake

[@ChristopherSterwerf]

@@Bronco-1776 holding on to the past much? Apparently you're afraid of girls?

[@bobmolloy1545]

Great Story, I think this is a first time for me to sit through a nearly two hour interview and kept my attention the entire time. I think all pilots have something special that drives us.

[@vichooper4216]

Absolutely outstanding interview on both sides. Throughly enjoyed it. It is very comforting to know that other people moving into a big job were concerned that they would deliver. It’s noteworthy when you really care and work really hard what you can achieve. Very motivational Mace.

[@baomao7243]

Really nice interview from both sides. Well-organized and good flow. And answers were candid, unscripted, and honest. Nicely done. Enjoyed watching this. Thank you.

[@derekprzybyla5822]

I was lucky to be able to go to the Dover AFB airshow this year that had both the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds. My brother and I both agreed that the Thunderbirds put on a more in your face exciting show. Made this retired A-10 Jet Mech proud of my Air Force demo team. I also saw the Thunderbirds at the 2021 Ocean City airshow. It was the Friday practice and unfortunately they were down 2 jets for the diamond. I was talking to a lady on the beach and was pointing out that the one jet was piloted by a female pilot being Mace. It happened to be when they were playing the song I'm just a girl as Mace was doing her maneuver. That made her day that she was able to see a lady flying with the team.

[@rck3321]

OC is where it’s at!

[@Vortex-gz8se]

I was just going to watch this for a few minutes, I ended up watching the whole thing, it didn’t feel like 1 hours 40 m. Nice interview.

[@A.T.C.]

I have watched this video at least 5 times now it is so entertaining, Mace and Mover's interaction with there comments are awesome, I am looking forward to the book Mace just don't rush it and get in site from all of the people you interact with and positive comments that you get. Love hearing about your journey with life and interaction with your step son and your husband John. I am a Canadian that lives in Red Deer Alberta and have watched as many Videos about your journey and am inspired by all of them I hope you keep doing this, you seem really down to earth and positive about life. Keep pushing and in joy. Al

[@ghosttactual]

She is the absolute GOAT. a bundle of motivation for everyone!!!!

[@cmcer1995]

This was so refreshing to watch and listen too. She has had an amazing journey with exposure to many experiences most of us can only dream about, and she has lived them. But then to top it off she is also so humble which makes you feel comfortable with the idea that you could actually have a real conversation with Michelle. Great interview, great video coverage too.

[@kmack3533]

That's amazing! My nephew is a technician with the Thunderbirds! She is awesome 👌

[@keithlillis7962]

What an amazingly honest and obviously very talented person. So refreshing to hear of such a high achiever having doubts and overcoming them. Not at all the stereotype of the overconfident and arrogant fighter jock we imagine them all to be; from the comfort of our armchairs.

[@scottlink183]

It’s impressive how self aware and humble the pilot is

[@patcavanaugh4941]

Awesome interview, thanks for getting her on. Forwarding to my granddaughter. It's so important for people to see others who have dealt with the same issues they may face and see them succeed. Thank you both for your military service and your continuing service to your fellow countrymen (gender-neutral, of course).

[@johnwinter7597]

Such a great interview she is amazing

[@donszabo7558]

Mace. You rock. What a role model you are? Fly safe!

[@alexioflexio8818]

God, I feel like such an under-achiever. What an impressive individual

[@stanwamberg]

Michelle has a super inspirational personality and speaks of her real life experiences and goals. Very motivational. Lifted me up listening to her story.

[@stevegyro1]

Mover and Mace … thanks for all the inspiration you share with the young folks. Your humble personalities make it special. Thank you -Steve G, a ‘Maule driver’ living in MS!

[@tacair4271]

Wow, Mace and Mover, what an inspiring discussion! Mover, thank you for inviting her to the channel and Mace, thank you for being so real and honestly sharing your story. Hopefully. your health will improve but your career definitely will. Keep on pressing forward!

[@brianmontgomery1619]

Very inspiring. Awesome interview. As she eluded to after her firs gig, don't for get to ask for help when you need it and give it when asked.

[@crackerjax4330]

What a grounded, brilliant, insightful woman. Not too many of those left out there...

[@generfeld]

awesome aviator and interview. thanks so much

[@woolymittens]

As usual, your interviews do not fail to deliver! It was great hearing MACE's story but she didn't tell us about the supersonic Thunderbird heels on her bookcase!! 😂

[@dougcronkhite2113]

Best 100 minutes I've spent on KZbin in a long time.

[@markmorris465]

Simply one of the best interviews I have ever seen. Amazing

[@Hobomayor]

Great interview, Mace and Mover are awesome

[@alasdairmunro1953]

What a great video Mover, and thanks to MACE!

[@slgarrett]

Thanks, Mover. I'm so glad you interviewed her. She's such a positive energy and there's so much there for us all to look up to.

[@billeudy8481]

Mr. Leonine, thank you. You do such a great job of asking the best questions.

[@JBSmoke1]

Great interview! Mace, you're the real deal!

[@markbidus4570]

The honesty and dedication is motivating.

[@mikercflyer7383]

Like everyone I really enjoyed Michelle story it is really a great achievement. Thanks for the interview.

[@iceman_7]

Thanks a ton for this Mover, have been following Mace and her story since she joined the Thunderbirds and never saw a candid conversation like this. Thank you both, for your service 🇺🇸

[@FourScoreAndSeven]

Absolutely terrific interview. Thorough and candid. I appreciate Major Curran's humility and willingness to open up about those times in her career when she felt down and perhaps overwhelmed but gutted her way through it all - her choice to break out of the barriers she erected around herself and seek assistance from those around her - and find happiness and fulfilment in her career and life. Improvise, adapt, overcome. Well done to both of you!

[@1in7-Twist]

😢I'm left with the feeling of under achievement. Thank you both for your service. ❤

[@RemmyC4]

As an OSI Agent (who loves it) she made the right call. 🤣. Great interview!

[@nigelappleton2963]

Really enjoyed this interview. Amazing woman and really refreshing to find someone being so honest.

[@sprinkle_some_crack_on_em8279]

This interview blew me away. What an inspiration

[@dancheng-noaafederal8498]

This is a great interview because it was so personal and not just about the jets and the AF. Thank you Mace and CW Lemoine.

[@lindseypeterson6594]

What a great interview! Mace is so impressive!! I follow her on Instagram and she is definitely my role model. Iv been in aviation for the past six years and only one year into college, but I’m on the older side these days and doubting if flying AF or navy is out of the question. I have 4 to 5 years for cutoff. I keep watching your videos searching for answers. I appreciate what I have found so far. Thanks!

[@fpftraining]

This was an amazing interview.

[@robweiss748]

My Reserve Tanker wing was the same way. Our jets were spotless. AD crews would get in our 135R’s and say stuff like ,”Hey all your lights work, and it’s clean.” I TDY’ed to Warsaw three times, really liked it

[@rodneymixon227]

Amazing story. She worked hard to get where she's at. Amazing woman

[@stevemace1725]

Awesome, to have goals like her, she has a bright future, keep up the charisma.

[@paul2486]

One of the best interviews I have ever seen.. I couldn't leave to run errands...!! What an inspiration!! This is great for any person in any part of their life!! Very articulate, well spoken, and fun at the same time.. Wow!!!! The interview kept moving at good pace and It was nice to add the personal side of it. That allowed us to share the experience with Mace and enjoy the interview even more!! Thanks!!!!

[@jimredding8315]

excellent interview

[@riverfisher2123]

Wow I bet she flew my old plane. I crewed 86-0230 from 1991 until 2000 at Va Air Guard. We sent them to Texas in 2007 when I retired as Chief of Maintenance. I loved that plane.

[@paulhiakita251]

What an absolute awesome amazing chat with mace. Also what I loved about this chat was the comradeship, dedication and commitment that I felt this interview showed in what it takes to be successful at anything you do in life. So many experiences that were a complete inspiration. What a great pilot and person you are mace. Thanks so much for that. Great questions, great answers. All the best for your future endeavours mace. God bless you and your family.

[@skyhorseprice6591]

Man....what a great interview. I would personally like to extend my gratitude to Mace for being so open about imposter syndrome. I'm a musician and have been actively playing gigs and recording since I was 19. I'm very good at what I do, but there have been times when I was standing onstage literally listening to the drummer click his sticks 1 2 3 4 to start the first song in front of a packed audience...and by the time the 3rd stick click happens, I've already spent what seems like forever thinking _"I shouldn't be here, I suck, how can these people not see through this charade? Every guitar player in every band in this country is better than me!"_ It's debilitating. Most of the time, the problem gets fixed immediately after stick click#4 , when the band comes ripping in to the first song. The anxiety turns into raw energy, and it is a rush like no other. But there are those gigs where I question every note I play for the whole performance, and those are bad enough to send me to therapy. Which is why I want to thank Mace. Contained within her account of her own imposter struggles, was an outline of solid psychological tools to help me not just struggle through but become victorious. I cannot _even_ thank Mace enough for that. 🤟💯/💯

[@mrbigw100]

I first heard of her when she was on a smarter everyday episode

[@tkraft63]

I continue to appreciate your interviews the most and this one was outstanding. Thank you Mover & Mace!

[@Larayzman]

Awesome interview! For some reason I never realized Mace grew up in Medford! I live less than 30 minutes from there. You've always inspired me Mace, now you do even more!