Mastering Health-ing: Lessons from Aviation and Lifestyle

In this episode, Ushma (Rypple) and Thomas Plochg (Federation for Health in the Netherlands) speak with Adnan Mirza – author, entrepreneur, and pilot – about making health simple, accessible, and a lifelong practice.

Adnan shares his journey from electrical engineering to aviation, discovering that the habits fostering “flow states” in flying, such as yoga and a plant-based diet, also reverse chronic disease and support long-term wellness. The discussion highlights the gap between natural health and a healthcare system that often manages symptoms rather than promoting healing.

Together, they redefine “health-ing” as an active, continuous skill, draw parallels between aviation safety and preventive health, and explore how empowering communities can drive change when fixing the system feels impossible. Adnan emphasizes personal responsibility, emotional awareness, and Gandhi’s call to “be the change you want to see”, a principle he applies through Heartbeat Ventures to help people live in their zone of optimal potential.