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Miracle Flight Deck Podcast

The Miracle Flight Deck Podcast is where the mission of Miracle Flights takes flight through powerful stories and meaningful conversations. Each episode highlights a unique perspective whether from a family navigating a medical journey, a donor reflecting on the impact of giving, or a corporate partner championing the cause. No matter the guest, every conversation is united by a common purpose: raising awareness and supporting families who depend on the life-changing services of Miracle Flights. Listeners will find education, encouragement, and hope woven into every episode, making the podcast both a gathering place for community and a source of inspiration for all.

Miles the Bear and WHSmith North America,
Guest: Robert Sanchez, Miracle Flights Vice President of Operations

In this inaugural episode, co-hosts Nicole Padberg Munkdale and Cassandra – a.k.a. “Cassie” – Castanino, introduce listeners to the heart of Miracle Flights’ mission, along with an exciting and meaningful corporate partnership with travel retailer WHSmith North America.

Joining the show is Robert Sanchez, Vice President of Operations, who shares how Miles the Bear, the beloved Miracle Flights mascot, is making a heartfelt impact by bringing comfort and care to children and families, all with the generous support of WHSmith North America.

Thanks to WHSmith’s outreach and commitment, Miles the Bear is also spreading kindness and connection with travelers across the country. Every purchase of Miles the Bear, at WHSmith retail locations, not only helps fund Miracle Flights’ mission of providing free flights to children in need of life-changing medical care but also raises awareness of this incredible cause.

The Miracle Flight Deck, Episode Two: Miracle Flights family Charlene, Asher and Landon and Flight Specialist Jessica Cardenas

In the second episode of The Miracle Flight Deck, co-hosts Nicole Padberg Munkdale and Casandra Castanino interview two guests who offer unique perspectives on the mission of Miracle Flights. Nicole speaks with Charlene, a mother whose child requires long-distance medical care, about how Miracle Flights has supported their journey. Cassie interviews Jessica Cardenas, a Flight Specialist at Miracle Flights, who shares how she helps families book flights to access the medical care their children need.

Volunteering for Miracle Flights

In the third episode of The Miracle Flight Deck, we delve into the profound impact of volunteering with Miracle Flights. Co-host and Event Coordinator Casandra Castanino leads the conversation, drawing on her own journey that began as a volunteer with the organization. Joining her is Paul Rogers, Southwest Airlines’ In-Flight Supervisor, who shares insights into the corporate partner experience. For a more personal perspective, we also speak with long-time volunteer Sherry, who has generously donated her time to Miracle Flights since 2018 and has played a key role in numerous events over the years.

Luna, Miracle Flights Child Ambassador 2026
In this episode of The Miracle Flight Deck, co-hosts Robert Sanchez and Nicole Padberg Munkdale sit down with Sarah, mother of Luna, a courageous young Miracle Flights recipient and the 2026 Miracle Flights Child Ambassador. Sarah shares the remarkable medical journey Luna has faced since being diagnosed at just nine months old with hypothalamic optic pathway glioma. Now nine years old, Luna has traveled extensively out of state in pursuit of specialized treatment, with the support of Miracle Flights. Chosen as the 2026 Child Ambassador for her extraordinary strength, resilience, and indomitable spirit, Luna continues to inspire all who meet her. Her story powerfully amplifies the mission of Miracle Flights, spreading hope and awareness through every mile.
On the Flight Deck with Thrive Aviation: How One Partnership Took Fundraising to New Heights
In this episode of The Miracle Flight Deck, co-hosts Robert Sanchez and Nicole Padberg Munkdale sit down with Curtis Edenfield, CEO of Thrive Aviation and the 2026 Individual Navigator Honoree for Miracle Flights’ SOARée fundraiser. Curtis shares how his lifelong connection to aviation, a Southwest Airlines career, and a chance meeting in Las Vegas led to a partnership that has raised $1.1 million for families needing medical flights. Together, they discuss building Thrive Aviation from the ground up, the origins of SOARée, and how shared values and community spirit turned a working hangar into one of Las Vegas’ most impactful charity events.
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