Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this episode, Matt talks with Todd Gierke, a proud University of North Dakota alumnus and seasoned airline captain, to discuss the power of recognizing and taking hold of opportunities—both in aviation and in life.
Todd shares his journey from earning a Psychology degree at UND in 1988 to flying some of the most advanced aircraft in the world with Delta Air Lines. With over 17,000 flight hours, multiple instructor ratings, and a passion for mentorship, Todd offers invaluable insight for young pilots and aviation students.
From early career decisions to embracing leadership roles, Todd emphasizes the importance of saying "yes" to challenges, and how that mindset has opened doors throughout his aviation career.
AeroTalk is the the official podcast of UND Aerospace with new episodes released every Monday! Alongside our host, Matt Opsahl, listeners will explore a range of topics within the field of aerospace. We’ll take you beyond the classroom, talking with alumni, exploring career opportunities in aviation and aerospace, and sharing a few stories along the way. From hands-on tips to industry insights, this podcast is your weekly co-pilot through the ups and downs of life.
Catch every episode on your favorite platform:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4XBDIY9...
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ff7...
Thanks for tuning in and supporting the show! Don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. 🙌
UND Aerospace is a world-renowned center for aerospace learning, nationally acclaimed for our achievements in collegiate aviation education, atmospheric research, space studies, and earth system science and policy research. With more than 500 faculty and staff members, 1,800+ students from around the world, and myriad programs and projects, the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences is setting the pace for the future of flight.
Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram: instagram.com/undaerospace
Facebook: facebook.com/UNDAerospace
Twitter: twitter.com/UNDAerospace?s=20
In this episode, Matt talks with Todd Gierke, a proud University of North Dakota alumnus and seasoned airline captain, to discuss the power of recognizing and taking hold of opportunities—both in aviation and in life.
Todd shares his journey from earning a Psychology degree at UND in 1988 to flying some of the most advanced aircraft in the world with Delta Air Lines. With over 17,000 flight hours, multiple instructor ratings, and a passion for mentorship, Todd offers invaluable insight for young pilots and aviation students.
From early career decisions to embracing leadership roles, Todd emphasizes the importance of saying "yes" to challenges, and how that mindset has opened doors throughout his aviation career.
AeroTalk is the the official podcast of UND Aerospace with new episodes released every Monday! Alongside our host, Matt Opsahl, listeners will explore a range of topics within the field of aerospace. We’ll take you beyond the classroom, talking with alumni, exploring career opportunities in aviation and aerospace, and sharing a few stories along the way. From hands-on tips to industry insights, this podcast is your weekly co-pilot through the ups and downs of life.
Catch every episode on your favorite platform:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4XBDIY9...
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ff7...
Thanks for tuning in and supporting the show! Don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. 🙌
UND Aerospace is a world-renowned center for aerospace learning, nationally acclaimed for our achievements in collegiate aviation education, atmospheric research, space studies, and earth system science and policy research. With more than 500 faculty and staff members, 1,800+ students from around the world, and myriad programs and projects, the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences is setting the pace for the future of flight.
Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram: instagram.com/undaerospace
Facebook: facebook.com/UNDAerospace
Twitter: twitter.com/UNDAerospace?s=20
