Lovefly

Josh Aronson.  Navigating an airport can be overwhelming, but flying with autism or severe flight anxiety adds an entirely different layer of sensory friction. In this episode of the Lovefly Podcast, we sit down with international journalist and neurodiversity advocate Josh Aronson. Josh flies constantly and shares exactly how he manages traveling the world on the autistic spectrum. From cracking the code on hidden airline assistance systems to mastering in-flight sensory triggers, this conversation is an essential roadmap for anyone looking to push past their comfort zone and see the world safely. What you'll learn in this episode: What the DPNA code is and how to get free, dedicated airport assistance. The psychological link between autism, anxiety, and the "fear of the unknown." Tactical tips for choosing the right seat and managing cabin stimulation. How to handle airline delays, missed connections, and advocating for your passenger rights.

Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Meet Josh Aronson 02:15 - Living and Reporting on the Autistic Spectrum 04:30 - The Travel Reality: Flying to 6 Countries in 2 Months 06:45 - Navigating Airport Failures & Knowing Your Passenger Rights 10:15 - Demystifying the DPNA Code for Hidden Disabilities 13:50 - The Best Airlines & Airports for Neurodivergent Travelers 17:20 - Sensory Survival: Seat Selection & Headphone Hacks 21:05 - The Psychology of Flight Anxiety & The Fear of the Unknown 24:45 - Pushing Through the Comfort Zone: Josh’s Final Advice

Lovefly Courses www.lovefly.co.uk/courses/ FB - Lovefly Insta @loveflyhelp #fearofflying #flyingwithout fear #anxiety #aviation #lovefly #pilots #turbulence #claustrophobia #cleithrophobia Private Members Group: https://lovefly.podia.com 

Lovefly Courses & Resources: https://linkup.shop/lovefly

Intro and outro music 'Fearless' Daniel King

About Josh

Josh Aronson is a journalist on the autistic spectrum, community leader, and advocate for global Jewish engagement and inclusion. He currently serves as the Jewish World and Diaspora Correspondent for Maariv, one of Israel's leading newspapers.

Based in Manchester, UK, where he lives with his wife, Josh is deeply involved in Jewish communal life both locally and internationally. He is a Deputy at the Board of Deputies of British Jews, a Board Member of the Zionist Federation UK, and was recently elected to the Zionist Congress as a representative of JLM–Meretz UK. He also serves on the Board of Keep Olim in Israel and is a Global Ambassador for both the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce (USA) and Magen for Communities.

He is a Council Member of President Isaac Herzog’s “Kol Ha’am” (Voice of the People) initiative — a distinguished group of 150 influential Jewish leaders from around the world.

Josh holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, specializing in Marketing and Advertising, from Ono Academic College, and has just finished a Master’s degree in International Journalism at the University of Salford.

His advocacy work focuses on disability inclusion and accessibility. He leads initiatives honoring Holocaust victims with disabilities, improving travel accessibility for individuals on the autism spectrum, and promoting global use of the inclusive term “people with determination,” inspired by terminology adopted in Dubai.

Current Positions:

Reporter on Jewish World and the Diaspora for Maariv

Zionist Congress Elect representing JLM–Meretz UK

Member of the Board of Directors, Zionist Federation of the UK

Deputy, Board of Deputies of British Jews

Council Member, Voice of the People Initiative by President Isaac Herzog — one of 150 influential Jewish figures worldwide

Board Member, Keep Olim in Israel Organization

Global Ambassador, Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce (USA)

Global Ambassador, Magen for Communities Organization

Manager, 144VIP Group

Education:

B.A. in Business Administration, Ono Academic College — Specialization: Marketing and Advertising

M.A. in International Journalism, University of Salford

Social and Policy Initiatives:

Led efforts for the commemoration of people with disabilities murdered in the Holocaust

Advocate for accessibility in aviation and transportation for passengers on the autism spectrum

Promotes inclusive terminology globally by adopting the Dubai-based language shift from "people with disabilities" to "people with determination"

https://linktr.ee/josharonson

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Did you use to fly with ease, but now the mere thought of an airplane cabin triggers intense panic and heart palpitations? The problem might not be the flight itself—it could be your hormones. In this episode of the Lovefly Podcast, we sit down with former NHS nurse and specialized Menopause Coach Caroline Milne to pull back the curtain on the hidden biological link between perimenopause and sudden travel anxiety. Discover how fluctuating oestrogen and progesterone levels steal your brain's natural ability to stay calm, why it leads to "catastrophizing" on flights, and how you can take control of your nervous system to travel freely again. What you’ll learn in this episode: The science of how a drop in progesterone directly sparks sudden, midlife anxiety. Why physical symptoms like hot flushes are frequently misidentified by the brain as flight panic. Unusual signs of perimenopause you probably haven't heard of (tinnitus, joint pain, and formication). The exact step-by-step lifestyle changes—from hydration to strategic breathwork—that eliminate brain fog and anxiety. What "postmenopausal zest" is and why there is massive hope for the future.

Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: The Unexpected Link Between Hormones & Fear of Flying 02:15 - Meet Caroline Milne: From NHS Nurse to Menopause Coach 04:45 - The Truth About Perimenopause: 34 to 90 Symptoms Explained 08:20 - The Chemistry of Panic: How Progesterone, GABA, and Estrogen Control Your Calm 12:10 - Brain Fog & The New Onset Fear of Flying and Driving 15:40 - Tools for Relief: Nervous System Regulation & Breathwork 19:15 - Holistic Recovery: Hydration, Diet, and Setting Boundaries 22:30 - What is Postmenopausal Zest? Light at the End of the Tunnel #FearOfFlying #PerimenopauseAnxiety #MenopauseSupport #WomenHealth #FlightAnxiety #Lovefly #NervousSystemRegulation

BIO

Caroline Milne is a former NHS nurse, certified menopause coach and founder of Unmenopaused, supporting people experiencing perimenopause and menopause to navigate the physical and emotional challenges of this life stage with confidence. Drawing on over 20 years in healthcare alongside her own lived experience, Caroline combines evidence-informed menopause education, coaching and breathwork-based nervous system regulation techniques to help people understand the relationship between hormones, the nervous system and emotional wellbeing, so they can feel more like themselves again. She delivers coaching programmes, workplace education and community menopause support, creating welcoming spaces where people feel heard, understood and empowered.

Contact details that can be shared: website: unmenopaused.co.uk email: unmenopaused@gmail.com

Lovefly Courses www.lovefly.co.uk/courses/ FB - Lovefly Insta @loveflyhelp #fearofflying #flyingwithout fear #anxiety #aviation #lovefly #pilots #turbulence #claustrophobia #cleithrophobia Private Members Group: https://lovefly.podia.com 

Lovefly Courses & Resources: https://linkup.shop/lovefly

Intro Music 'Fearless' Daniel King

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"Jon Hilton is an award-winning inclusion and belonging leader with 33 years’ experience across the travel and aviation industry, spanning operational roles, corporate sales and, more recently, diversity, equity and inclusion.

At Virgin Atlantic, Jon works across the organisation to help shape a culture where every voice is heard, every experience is valued and inclusion is reflected not only in how people work, but in how customers experience the brand. His role spans LGBTQIA+ inclusion, disability, women in aviation, ethnicity, wellbeing and wider belonging, with a focus on turning lived experience into meaningful and lasting change.

Jon is passionate about moving inclusion beyond statements and policies. His work brings together colleagues, leaders, customers, partners and communities to remove barriers, challenge assumptions and ensure people from all backgrounds have a genuine voice in the decisions that affect them.

He was named Outstanding Network Lead of the Year at the Rainbow Honours 2025 and featured in the 2026 Attitude 101, empowered by Bentley, which celebrates 101 outstanding trailblazers whose work has contributed to the global LGBTQ+ community in a game-changing way. Jon was also included in the prestigious Pride Power List, created by Diversity Umbrella in association with Stonewall and published in The Guardian. The list is regarded as a definitive guide to LGBTQIA+ people and allies working towards true equality and inclusion.  At the heart of Jon’s work is a simple but powerful belief: when people feel seen, heard and valued, they do not just belong - they thrive".

Lovefly Courses www.lovefly.co.uk/courses/ FB - Lovefly Insta @loveflyhelp #fearofflying #flyingwithout fear #anxiety #aviation #lovefly #pilots #turbulence #claustrophobia #cleithrophobia Private Members Group: https://lovefly.podia.com 

Lovefly Courses & Resources: https://linkup.shop/lovefly

Intro Music 'Fearless' Daniel King

 

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Dr. Martin M. Antony is Professor and Chair in the Department of Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University. Previously, he was founding director of both the Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic and the Psychology Residency Program at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.  He was also Clinical and Training Lead for the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, a member of the Order of Ontario, and he is a past president of the Canadian Psychological Association and the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. He has published 34 books and over 330 scientific articles and chapters in areas related to cognitive behavior therapy and anxiety-related disorders. He has given more than 575 invited presentations to audiences across four continents, and has been interviewed, featured, or quoted more than 500 times in various print, radio, television, and online media outlets, including BBC News, CBC, Chatelaine Magazine, CNN, CTV, the Globe and Mail, National Post, New York Times, O (Oprah) Magazine, Prevention Magazine, Reader’s Digest, Scientific American Mind, Toronto Star, USA Today, Washington Post, and many others.

Lovefly Courses www.lovefly.co.uk/courses/ FB - Lovefly Insta @loveflyhelp #fearofflying #flyingwithout fear #anxiety #aviation #lovefly #pilots #turbulence #claustrophobia #cleithrophobia Private Members Group: https://lovefly.podia.com 

Lovefly Courses & Resources: https://linkup.shop/lovefly

 

 

 

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You are going to love this guy's story telling. A Brit that has moved to Australia and what that means for someone with a fear of flying, heights, claustrophobia.

Lovefly Courses www.lovefly.co.uk/courses/ FB - Lovefly Insta @loveflyhelp #fearofflying #flyingwithout fear #anxiety #aviation #lovefly #pilots #turbulence #claustrophobia #cleithrophobia

Private Members Group: https://lovefly.podia.com 

Lovefly Courses & Resources: https://linkup.shop/lovefly

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.