In this episode I sit down with Freddy Snijders from the Netherlands — a pilot I first met at the WANDERBIRD Trophy in Kitzbühel 2025.

Freddy’s story really touched me. He started paragliding a few years ago and used the goal of taking part at a WANDERBIRD Trophy to change his life — losing over 30 kilos and rediscovering what it means to move, to fly better, and to feel alive.

We talk about motivation, setbacks, flying in the flatlands, and how his mental approach became just as important as the physical one. It’s a conversation about small steps, persistence, and the quiet kind of courage that builds over time.

With his personal story, that he also shared on Youtube, Freddy also won the WANDERBIRD Storyteller Award in Kitzbühel.

Here is the Link to his video: https://youtu.be/FTS5-pKwGns?si=ZGzeWFdmlT2A3nJr

By the way, my book 'WANDERBIRD Strategy' is out and with the code 'FINDYOURPATH' you can get it on https://viento-store.com/discount/FINDYOURPATH without paying for shipping to AT/DE/CH/LI until end of 23rd of October 2025!

If you want to support this Podcast, you can also order great WANDERBIRD Merch (like Hike&Fly Socks) at https://wanderbirdshop.com/