Jim Cowan - Hall of Fame Skydiver and Flight-1 Instructor Artwork

The 20 Minute Call - A Skydiving Podcast

The 20 Minute Call Podcast is a podcast about the dreamers, boundary pushers, rebels and champions of the skydiving industry. Each episode is a narrative journey highlighted by the highs, lows, and luck that the skydiving industry delivers told by the most influential people within the sport.

If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a skydiver, opening a DZ or becoming the next world champion, check out The 20 Minute Call hosted by James La Barrie

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The 20 Minute Call - A Skydiving Podcast

Jim Cowan - Hall of Fame Skydiver and Flight-1 Instructor

April 12, 2026 • James La Barrie • Season 3 • Episode 86

0:00 | 1:35:55

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This is a must-listen episode. Jim Cowan's passion for skydiving is infectious, and his storytelling will have you hanging on every word. A second-generation skydiver from St. Louis who started packing parachutes at age 10, Jim recounts jumping into a Cardinals game at 18 and being interviewed by Jack Buck - then taking Jack on a tandem jump 20 years later. He also talks about forming Quantum Leap with his brother and best friend, winning the World Championships just nine months later, and the incredible coordination behind last year's 104-way canopy formation world record.

Jim dives into his award-winning presentation on unusual canopy emergencies - dual deployments, down planes, and entanglements - and the harrowing personal experience that inspired him to start teaching it.

He reflects on celebrity encounters from delivering a flag for President Trump to jumping into Snoop Dogg's Gin & Juice Bowl, his equipment pet peeves, and the pivotal decision to sell Quantum Leap and move to San Diego to work with the military.

Throughout it all, what shines through most is Jim's deep love for the sport and the people in it. His faith, humility, and simple personal creed - be good to yourself, others, animals, and the earth - make this one of the most inspiring conversations we've had.

Presented by SSK Industries, CYPRES, Free Fall Films, SKYCRU and Burble.

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