The Pilot Who Saw Freedom Behind Prison Walls with Blake Raney

The Pilot Who Saw Freedom Behind Prison Walls with Blake Raney

Blake Raney expected aviation to be about flying. Over time, it became a way to serve people who often feel unseen. Blake, founder of SPAIRROW, joins Jed Chappell for a conversation about aviation, calling, business as service, prison ministry, fatherhood, and building a foundation before the storm. He shares how an unexpected appointment to Oklahoma’s aerospace and aeronautics work challenged his confidence, how a business relationship changed the way he thought about work, and what he saw the first time he walked into a prison. The conversation also moves into the story of Blake and Anna’s daughter Kennedy, her heart surgery, and the moments that reminded their family they were not alone. Content note: This conversation includes discussion of prison, addiction, abusive or absent fathers, infertility, and infant heart surgery. Nothing is graphic. WHAT YOU'LL HEAR - How Blake’s lifelong pull toward aviation became a business and calling - Why SPAIRROW was built around helping people feel seen and valued - What Blake saw in prison that changed his understanding of freedom - Why fatherhood, accountability, and leadership matter for breaking cycles - The story of Kennedy’s surgery and why Blake says to build your foundation before the storm CHAPTERS 00:00 Blake Raney, Oklahoma roots, and family 06:04 Aviation, entrepreneurship, and the pull to fly 08:08 The appointment that challenged Blake’s confidence 10:12 YouVersion, Scripture, and knowing God personally 13:02 A TBM opportunity and business as a tool 17:29 SPAIRROW, the God who sees, and serving with purpose 22:26 What SPAIRROW provides for aircraft owners 23:27 Prison ministry, George Medley, and unexpected confirmation 29:02 Finding freedom inside prison walls 32:43 Fathers, leadership, and breaking cycles 35:55 Small decisions that take a life off course 38:25 Kennedy’s surgery story and faith before the storm ABOUT BLAKE RANEY Blake Raney is the founder of SPAIRROW, an Oklahoma City-based aviation company focused on aircraft management, brokerage, maintenance, and pilot services. He also serves as the District 5 commissioner on the Oklahoma Aerospace and Aeronautics Commission. Blake and his wife, Anna, live in Oklahoma City with their daughter, Kennedy. LINKS SPAIRROW: https://www.flyspairrow.com/ SPAIRROW Services: https://www.flyspairrow.com/services Oklahoma Aerospace and Aeronautics Commission: https://oklahoma.gov/aerospace/about/commission.html YouVersion Bible App: https://www.youversion.com/ VOICES of OKC: https://www.voicesofokc.com/ City Center: https://okcitycenter.org/ VOICES of OKC is a student-produced civic podcast from City Center spotlighting the people, stories, and ideas shaping Oklahoma City. City Center champions youth and families in under-resourced communities by creating empowered pathways to relief and restoration. Subscribe to VOICES of OKC for thoughtful conversations with the people shaping Oklahoma City. Share this episode with someone who cares about faith, leadership, fatherhood, aviation, or the work of helping people feel seen. #VOICESofOKC #OklahomaCity #FaithAndLeadership

From Jamaica to Oklahoma City: Chef Andrew Black on Food, Work, and Home

Chef Andrew Black, Oklahoma City restaurateur and 2023 James Beard Award winner, traces the discipline behind his work - from Saturday mornings in his grandmother's Jamaican kitchen to building restaurants in the city he now calls home. He and Jed Chappell talk about consistency, mentorship, staying present, handling roadblocks, and creating businesses that serve more than the people at the table.

What Oklahoma City Cannot Lose as It Grows with Brad Carter

Brad Carter, Oklahoma City’s Ward 1 Councilman, joins Jed Chappell to ask what the city must protect as it grows. They discuss transparent public service, listening across political divides, jobs and AI, recovery, homelessness, and the Oklahoma Standard Carter hopes will still define OKC for the next generation.

When Grief Stops Driving the Story: Kristina Mills on Survivor, Loss, and Hope

Kristina Mills did not apply for Survivor because she loved camping. In fact, she had never been camping before. She applied because she felt stuck. After walking through postpartum depression, losing her mother to a fentanyl overdose, and realizing her kids could see the sadness she was carrying, Kristina knew something had to change. So she recorded a simple 60-second audition video and sent it in. That decision eventually took her to Fiji as a contestant on Survivor 49. But the deeper story is not just about a television show. It is about grief, courage, motherhood, mental health, and choosing to move forward when staying stuck would have been easier. In this episode, Kristina shares about her mother’s life, the pain of losing her to addiction, the healing power of telling the truth, and the hope she discovered on the other side of fear. Episode Highlights * Kristina’s path to Survivor 49 * Why she applied in memory of her mom * Postpartum depression and feeling stuck * Losing her mother to fentanyl addiction * The importance of vulnerability * Why addiction can affect any family * A powerful moment in Fiji on her mom’s death anniversary * Her work helping OU graduate business students prepare for their careers * Why grief can be a passenger, but not the driver Guest Kristina Mills Career Coach, University of Oklahoma Graduate Business Program Contestant on Survivor 49 Links Voices of OKC: voicesofokc.com City Center: okcitycenter.org

Relationships Matter More Than Programs: Christian Matthews on Mentoring Oklahoma City Youth

Most people see after-school programs as activities, games, and homework help. Christian Matthews sees something deeper. As Program Coordinator at City Center, Christian spends his days helping students navigate challenges that often have nothing to do with academics. Behind many behavioral issues are stories of loneliness, bullying, family struggles, anxiety, and a longing to be understood. In this conversation, Christian shares how God unexpectedly led him to City Center, what he's learned about loving people unconditionally, and why relationships remain the foundation of lasting transformation. He also opens up about his personal faith journey, his work as an artist and musician, and the difficult decision to step away from growing opportunities in music in order to pursue deeper obedience and spiritual growth. If you're a parent, mentor, teacher, coach, or community leader, this episode offers valuable insight into what young people need most from the adults around them. Episode Highlights • How Christian discovered his calling to work with youth • Why emotional safety matters for young people • Helping students process difficult situations at home • The connection between self-awareness and personal growth • Lessons learned through mentorship and service • Christian's journey from rapper to faith-driven artist • Why self-love and identity matter for the next generation • What gives him hope for Oklahoma City's youth Connect with Christian Instagram: @hecallsmechristian Learn More About City Center 🌐 City Center [https://okcitycenter.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com] City Center champions youth and families in under-resourced communities by creating empowered pathways to relief and restoration.