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In this episode, we welcome Jay Stokes—a legendary figure in the skydiving world whose accomplishments have left a lasting mark on both military and civilian skydiving. Jay holds the Guinness World Record for the most parachute jumps in a 24-hour period, completing an incredible 640 jumps on September 8–9, 2006. This extraordinary feat took place at Greensburg Municipal Airport in Indiana and required precision, endurance, and a massive team effort, with Jay averaging a jump every 135 seconds.

A 24-year veteran of the U.S. Army, Jay played a key role in military free-fall training and brought that same commitment to excellence to the civilian sector. He has personally trained over 10,000 coaches, instructors, and examiners, becoming one of the sport’s most respected educators.

Jay also served on the U.S. Parachute Association’s Board of Directors from 2007 to 2018, including terms as President and Chairman, helping shape the direction of skydiving in the U.S.

In 2018, his decades of leadership and achievement were recognized with his induction into the International Skydiving Hall of Fame.

Join us as we hear from one of skydiving’s most accomplished and humble contributors—Jay Stokes.

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In this episode, I’m joined by Greg “Miff” Smith—a true pioneer in Australian skydiving. With nearly five decades in the sport and more than 12,000 jumps to his name, Miff has been a driving force behind the growth and evolution of skydiving in South Australia and beyond.

Since making his first jump in 1977, Greg has become one of the country’s most respected Chief Instructors. In 1986, alongside Gavin Northsworthy and Kevin Taylor, he helped introduce tandem skydiving to South Australia, making the sport more accessible to newcomers. Over the years, his leadership has helped advance safety protocols and raise equipment standards across the region.

At SA Skydiving—founded in 1989—Greg serves as Director, Senior Pilot, Drop Zone Safety Officer, Examiner, and Instructor for both Tandem and AFF. His contributions have helped shape SA Skydiving into one of Australia’s premier drop zones, offering breathtaking experiences and high-quality training.

Beyond his professional achievements, Greg has mentored generations of skydivers—including his own children—creating a tight-knit community rooted in passion and progression.

Join me as I speak with Greg “Miff” Smith about his journey, his impact on the sport, and the legacy he continues to build in Australian skydiving.

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In this episode, we sit down with Chazi Rutz—an accomplished skydiver, coach, and competitor whose career is as dynamic as it is inspiring. Based in Eloy, Arizona, Chazi has completed over 10,700 jumps and earned silver and bronze medals at the USPA Nationals in freestyle and freeflying. She has contributed to 13 Vertical World Records and numerous state and world records in both head-down and head-up formations.

Beyond competition, Chazi is a respected load organizer, tandem instructor, and a dedicated advocate for inclusivity in skydiving. Her work with Sisters in Skydiving (SIS) reflects her commitment to creating a welcoming and empowering space for women in the sport.

A certified yoga instructor, Chazi blends mindfulness and movement with her skydiving philosophy—rooted in fun, progression, and resilience. Her personal mantra, “Get up,” speaks to her unwavering passion and drive to push boundaries.

Join us as we explore Chazi’s journey through skydiving, coaching, record-setting, and her mission to keep the sport accessible, vibrant, and community-driven.

MEDIA

VIDEO: Chazi Freeflying
VIDEO: Women's Vertical World Record | Project 19
Parachutist: Jumper Profile

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In this episode, we welcome Chris Wagner—an accomplished skydiver, competitor, and leader in the sport. A former member of the U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights, Chris has helped shape the evolution of Formation Skydiving, earning multiple gold medals at the World Skydiving Championships and setting a world record in 8-way Formation Skydiving with 23 points.

Beyond skydiving, Chris served 25 years with the Army Special Forces and continues to give back to the sport as the USPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Director. Still actively jumping and competing, he recently participated in the XP Power Games, completing five 16-way jumps with first- and second-place teams.

Join us as we dive into Chris’s journey, his contributions to skydiving, and his passion for preserving the sport’s legacy.

MEDIA

VIDEO: Jumping Into the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympic Games

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Mike Gruwell is a skydiving entrepreneur, master rigger, and industry leader whose journey in the sport began with a single jump in 1995. What started as a passion quickly turned into a career, leading him to become an FAA Master Rigger, AFF Instructor, Tandem Instructor, and 4-way competitor.

In 1999, he founded ChutingStar, which began as a small rigging loft and grew into one of the most recognized skydiving gear suppliers in the world. Over the years, it expanded to include online gear sales in 2005, a DeLand, Florida storefront in 2011, and an international online presence serving skydivers worldwide.

His entrepreneurial drive didn’t stop at skydiving. In 2012, inspired by his twin sons, he ventured into skateboarding, opening a skate shop and park, blending extreme sports culture with his deep commitment to quality gear and expert support. Throughout it all, his wife, Stephanie, has played a vital role in growing and structuring the business.

Outside of skydiving and business, Mike is also a freelance drummer, proving that his love for rhythm extends from music to freefall. His journey is one of passion, innovation, and building a career in an industry he never originally planned to join—but now helps lead.

Join us as we dive into Mike’s journey from jumper to entrepreneur, his insights into the skydiving industry, and how he’s shaped ChutingStar into what it is today.

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Ashley Marquardt is a pilot, skydiver, and adventurer whose journey in aviation has been nothing short of remarkable. In just five years since earning her commercial pilot’s license, she went from flying a Cessna 172 at Skydive Cross Keys to piloting a Twin Otter at Skydive Dubai. Along the way, she served as the main pilot at Cross Keys and flew critical cargo across the Pacific from Saipan to Guam.

Her passion for aviation runs deep—growing up on a military base in South Korea, she eventually discovered skydiving in 2008 under the guidance of Kirk Knight. Since then, she’s become a tandem instructor, wingsuiter, BASE jumper, and accomplished free flyer. Beyond the skies, she’s an avid scuba diver and former instructor.

From the cockpit to freefall, Ashley’s fearless approach to life is an inspiration. In this episode of The 20 Minute Call, she shares her journey through the world of aviation and skydiving.

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Stephen "Hatz" Hatzistefandis is a true adventurer and a standout personality in the world of skydiving. With over 3,500 jumps—including more than 2,000 tandems—Hatz has built a reputation for orchestrating skydives in some of the most breathtaking locations on the planet. From the Great Pyramids of Egypt to the Great Blue Hole in Belize, his expertise in planning and logistics has taken skydiving to new heights.

Beyond his accomplishments in the sky, Hatz is also a helicopter and airplane pilot, a PRO-rated demo jumper, and the founder of Pegasus Skydive Center in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, creating a new home for skydivers in a time when many drop zones are closing.

With a passion for aviation, adventure, and community-building, Hatz continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport.

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Anthony “The Kid” Zerbonia is one of the most respected wingsuit pilots in the sport, with over 3,300 skydives—more than 2,300 of them dedicated to wingsuit flying. A two-time national champion in acrobatic wingsuit flying, Anthony has represented the U.S. on the world stage, earning podium finishes at national and international competitions, including the Acrobatic World Cup and USPA Nationals.

Beyond competition, Anthony is a coach, tandem and AFF instructor, rigger, and wingsuit coach examiner. His passion for innovation has led to groundbreaking projects, including deploying and flying by a massive 4,700-square-foot aerial target flag in a first-of-its-kind stunt.

When he’s not in the sky, Anthony applies his skills as an arborist and owner of Tactical Treescapes, embracing challenges both in the air and in the treetops. With a career marked by championship titles, cutting-edge projects, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of human flight, Anthony Zerbonia is a true leader in the wingsuit community.

MEDIA LINKS

- VIDEO: The Infamous Winch Jump (Instagram)
- VIDEO: Flag Jump! (Instagram)