BusinessEducationHow ToLeisureAviation

Safety Chats Podcast

Todd Thomas and Anne Marie Sollazzo

Welcome to Portside Safety Chats, a podcast for people responsible for keeping flight operations safe, compliant, and moving forward. Hosted by Todd Thomas and Anne Marie Sollazzo, each episode features practical conversations about safety management, reporting, and real-world challenges across aviation. Tune in for timely topics, thoughtful insight, and clear takeaways you can actually use, all in under 30 minutes.

Play

Open in

20 episodes
Avg 18 min
English

Episodes 20

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

S5 · E8
August 31 · 22 min
Bridging the Gap Between Flight Ops & Maintenance
Better safety starts with better communication. In this Safety Chat, the Portside Safety by Baldwin team explores how flight operations and maintenance can work more effectively together, from clearer write-ups and standardized communication to building stronger relationships across teams. They also discuss how communication gaps can contribute to normalization of deviance and why a strong SMS and safety culture help teams identify issues before they become bigger problems. Contact Safety Chats Tweet us at @BaldwinAviation Connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/baldwin-aviation-safety-&-compliance/ Follow on Facebook @BaldwinSafety Email us at baldwin@portside.co Learn more about Safety Management System’s at www.BaldwinSMS.com Thanks for listening and stay safe!
S5 · E7
August 3 · 30 min
Hazard vs. Risk: Why the Difference Matters
Hazards and risks are often treated as the same thing, but understanding the difference is essential for effective safety management. Todd Thomas and Ryan Smith explain how identifying potential harm, evaluating likelihood and severity, and applying the right controls can lead to stronger decisions, clearer reporting, and a more proactive safety culture. Contact Safety Chats Tweet us at @BaldwinAviation Connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/baldwin-aviation-safety-&-compliance/ Follow on Facebook @BaldwinSafety Email us at baldwin@portside.co Learn more about Safety Management System’s at www.BaldwinSMS.com Thanks for listening and stay safe!
S5 · E6
July 1 · 20 min
Normalization of Deviation: When Shortcuts Become Risk
In this episode of Portside Safety by Baldwin Safety Chat, Anne-Marie Sollazzo, Todd Thomas, and Ryan Smith discuss the normalization of deviation and how everyday shortcuts can quietly become accepted practice across an operation. The conversation explores why deviations often start with good intentions, how operational pressure and tribal knowledge can move teams away from written procedures, and why a successful outcome does not always mean a safe process. The team also shares practical ways to identify drift, encourage fresh-eyes reviews, support open reporting, and close the feedback loop through a strong SMS. Contact Safety Chats Tweet us at @BaldwinAviation Connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/baldwin-aviation-safety-&-compliance/ Follow on Facebook @BaldwinSafety Email us at baldwin@portside.co Learn more about Safety Management System’s at www.BaldwinSMS.com Thanks for listening and stay safe!
S5 · E5
June 3 · 14 min
The Safety Conversations Aviation Leaders Need to Hear
In this episode of Portside Safety Chats, the team recaps major themes from BASS 2026, including gaps in TCAS RA reporting, the importance of proactive safety data, and why accountable executives should attend safety conferences alongside their safety teams. Learn how leadership visibility, training, and engagement can directly influence SMS effectiveness and organizational safety culture. Contact Safety Chats Tweet us at @BaldwinAviation Connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/baldwin-aviation-safety-&-compliance/ Follow on Facebook @BaldwinSafety Email us at baldwin@portside.co Learn more about Safety Management System’s at www.BaldwinSMS.com Thanks for listening and stay safe!
S5 · E4
May 5 · 23 min
More Reports, More Insight: Unlocking the Power of ASAP
In this episode of the Portside Safety by Baldwin podcast, we explore why ASAP reporting is one of the most powerful and underused tools in aviation safety. The team discusses what low reporting really means, the barriers that prevent employees from speaking up, and how operators can build trust, simplify reporting, and turn insights into action. More reports don’t mean more problems; they mean better visibility into your operation. Contact Safety Chats Tweet us at @BaldwinAviation Connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/baldwin-aviation-safety-&-compliance/ Follow on Facebook @BaldwinSafety Email us at baldwin@portside.co Learn more about Safety Management System’s at www.BaldwinSMS.com Thanks for listening and stay safe!
S5 · E3
March 30 · 26 min
SMS Is a Team Sport: Culture, Communication, and Leadership in Aviation Safety
Meet Ryan Smith, Portside’s newest safety manager, as he shares his journey from the U.S. Air Force to civilian aviation. In this episode, the team explores why SMS is a team sport, how to build a strong safety culture, and practical ways to encourage reporting and trust across your organization. Contact Safety Chats Tweet us at @BaldwinAviation Connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/baldwin-aviation-safety-&-compliance/ Follow on Facebook @BaldwinSafety Email us at baldwin@portside.co Learn more about Safety Management System’s at www.BaldwinSMS.com Thanks for listening and stay safe!
S5 · E2
March 2 · 21 min
Safety Chats: SMS in the Maintenance World
Anne Marie Sollazzo sits down with Jermaine “Caddy” Cadogan, President of Convergent Performance and former U.S. Marine Corps aviation maintainer, to discuss Safety Management Systems (SMS) in the maintenance world. They explore why maintenance teams often experience cultural resistance to formal SMS tools, how risk is managed differently in the hangar versus the flight deck, and what leaders can do to create real buy-in. The conversation highlights practical integration, ownership, and the importance of designing SMS with maintainers, not just for them. Contact Safety Chats Tweet us at @BaldwinAviation Connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/baldwin-aviation-safety-&-compliance/ Follow on Facebook @BaldwinSafety Email us at baldwin@portside.co Learn more about Safety Management System’s at www.BaldwinSMS.com Thanks for listening and stay safe!
S5 · E1
February 4 · 18 min
Beyond the ERP Binder: Building Real Emergency Readiness
An Emergency Response Plan is more than a document - it’s a living system. In this episode of Safety Chats, Senior Safety Managers Anne Marie Sollazzo and Todd Thomas discuss what real emergency readiness looks like beyond the ERP binder. Drawing from real-world experience, they explore common gaps in emergency planning, the value of drills and lessons learned, and why preparation can’t wait until after everything else is built. Contact Safety Chats Tweet us at @BaldwinAviation Connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/baldwin-aviation-safety-&-compliance/ Follow on Facebook @BaldwinSafety Email us at baldwin@portside.co Learn more about Safety Management System’s at www.BaldwinSMS.com Thanks for listening and stay safe!
S4 · E5
Nov 7, 2024 · 13 min
Navigating the Unpredictable: Why Complex Systems Defy Prediction
In this episode, Jason Starke explores the unpredictability of complex systems, using the example of raising children. Drawing on insights from John Gall’s System Antics, he challenges the concept of “predictive safety” in aviation, emphasizing that while we can’t fully predict complex systems, monitoring risk controls can help identify issues early. This discussion encourages safety practitioners to measure effectiveness for continuous improvement in organizational safety. Contact Safety Chats Tweet us at @BaldwinAviation Connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/baldwin-aviation-safety-&-compliance/ Follow on Facebook @BaldwinSafety Email us at baldwin@portside.co Learn more about Safety Management System’s at www.BaldwinSMS.com Thanks for listening and stay safe!
S4 · E4
Oct 29, 2024 · 19 min
Is Safety Culture Measurable Without Surveys?
Jason Starke explores an intriguing question: Is it possible to measure an organization’s safety culture without relying on a formal survey? Jason shares insights and practical observations from his experience and proposes key indicators to gauge safety culture effectively. Tune in to learn more about the impact of leadership engagement, the physical environment, and communication practices on organizational culture, along with how these elements can reveal the strength of a safety culture. Contact Safety Chats Tweet us at @BaldwinAviation Connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/baldwin-aviation-safety-&-compliance/ Follow on Facebook @BaldwinSafety Email us at baldwin@portside.co Learn more about Safety Management System’s at www.BaldwinSMS.com Thanks for listening and stay safe!
S4 · E3
Oct 17, 2024 · 19 min
Beyond the Numbers: Statistics That Drive Safety
Jason Starke dives into the world of statistics and how it plays a vital role in safety management. Whether it's understanding standard deviations, running t-tests, or using correlation coefficients, Jason breaks down complex concepts into practical, real-world applications for safety managers. You'll learn how to make sense of data, set meaningful alert levels, and turn statistical analysis into actionable safety insights. Contact Safety Chats Tweet us at @BaldwinAviation Connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/baldwin-aviation-safety-&-compliance/ Follow on Facebook @BaldwinSafety Email us at baldwin@portside.co Learn more about Safety Management System’s at www.BaldwinSMS.com Thanks for listening and stay safe!
S4 · E2
Oct 8, 2024 · 12 min
The Leadership Trap: How Over-Commitment Can Harm Safety
In this episode, Jason dives into a topic inspired by an article about Unethical Pro-Organizational Behavior. He explores how a strong commitment to an organization can sometimes lead to unintended consequences—specifically, actions that may be unethical or unsafe, all in the name of benefiting the organization. Jason breaks down the differences between strong organizational citizenship and safety citizenship, urging leaders to foster safety-oriented behaviors. Contact Safety Chats Tweet us at @BaldwinAviation Connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/baldwin-aviation-safety-&-compliance/ Follow on Facebook @BaldwinSafety Email us at baldwin@portside.co Learn more about Safety Management System’s at www.BaldwinSMS.com Thanks for listening and stay safe!
S4 · E1
Oct 2, 2024 · 13 min
Hazards vs. Risk: The Power of Semantics in Aviation Safety
In this episode of the Safety Chat Podcast, Jason delves into the critical importance of semantics in aviation safety, particularly focusing on the distinction between "hazards" and "risk." He explains how words like these, though often used interchangeably, carry specific meanings that are vital to understanding and improving safety management systems. Contact Safety Chats Tweet us at @BaldwinAviation Connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/baldwin-aviation-safety-&-compliance/ Follow on Facebook @BaldwinSafety Email us at baldwin@portside.co Learn more about Safety Management System’s at www.BaldwinSMS.com Thanks for listening and stay safe!
S3 · E19
May 29, 2024 · 22 min
Staying Safe in the Skies: A Guide to Weather Hazards
In this episode, Jason delves into the common hazards of clear air turbulence, thunderstorms, and extreme heat. Drawing from his meteorology expertise, he provides practical safety insights for aviation professionals and enthusiasts. From understanding atmospheric currents to protecting ground crews during severe weather and managing heat risks, Jason offers invaluable advice to enhance safety management and organizational excellence. Contact Safety Chats Tweet us at @BaldwinAviation Connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/baldwin-aviation-safety-&-compliance/ Follow on Facebook @BaldwinSafety Email us at baldwin@portside.co Learn more about Safety Management System’s at www.BaldwinSMS.com Thanks for listening and stay safe!
S3 · E18
May 14, 2024 · 14 min
Navigating Fairness in Organizational Responses
This podcast episode discusses fairness within organizations, focusing on distributive and procedural justice. The host, Dr. Jason Starke emphasizes the need for formal procedures and policies to ensure fair responses to events like errors or violations. He highlights the importance of a just culture and recommends using resources like the GAIN Foundation's Roadmap to a Just Culture for guidance. Contact Safety Chats Tweet us at @BaldwinAviation Connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/baldwin-aviation-safety-&-compliance/ Follow on Facebook @BaldwinSafety Email us at baldwin@portside.co Learn more about Safety Management System’s at www.BaldwinSMS.com Thanks for listening and stay safe!
S3 · E17
May 6, 2024 · 17 min
Creating a Culture of Safety - Part 2
This week's podcast, hosted by Mark Myers, features Part 2 of the engaging conversation with Jim Adams on safety leadership and risk management. They delve into creating a learning organization from top to bottom, emphasizing accountable leadership's crucial role. Jim emphasizes the significance of listening, empathy, humility, and continuous learning as crucial elements for effective leadership and building a successful organization. Contact Safety Chats Tweet us at @BaldwinAviation Connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/baldwin-aviation-safety-&-compliance/ Follow on Facebook @BaldwinSafety Email us at baldwin@portside.co Learn more about Safety Management System’s at www.BaldwinSMS.com Thanks for listening and stay safe!
S3 · E16
Apr 29, 2024 · 19 min
Creating a Culture of Safety - Part 1
In Part 1 of this week's podcast, Mark Myers and Jim Adams discuss safety leadership. Jim, an industry expert, shares his journey from flight nurse to CEO, highlighting the importance of a safety-driven culture over regulatory compliance. The conversation focuses on accountable leadership and the challenges in maintaining effective safety practices for organizations of all sizes. Contact Safety Chats Tweet us at @BaldwinAviation Connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/baldwin-aviation-safety-&-compliance/ Follow on Facebook @BaldwinSafety Email us at baldwin@portside.co Learn more about Safety Management System’s at www.BaldwinSMS.com Thanks for listening and stay safe!
S3 · E15
Apr 10, 2024 · 13 min
Balancing Passion and Participation
In this podcast we delve into the "Too Much of a Good Thing" effect, abbreviated as TMGT, relating it to organizational behavior and safety management. The discussion touches on Aristotle's perspective on moderation, leader humility's impact on followers, and the danger of excessive passion in safety management. The central idea is that while passion is valuable, it shouldn't overshadow the involvement and inspiration of department managers and functional experts in safety initiatives. Contact Safety Chats Tweet us at @BaldwinAviation Connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/baldwin-aviation-safety-&-compliance/ Follow on Facebook @BaldwinSafety Email us at baldwin@portside.co Learn more about Safety Management System’s at www.BaldwinSMS.com Thanks for listening and stay safe!
S3 · E14
Mar 25, 2024 · 18 min
The Global Impact of Aviation Standards and Beyond
This podcast discusses the historical background of aviation standardization, particularly focusing on the Chicago Convention of 1944, where 52 countries met to create a framework for global aviation cooperation. It emphasizes the importance of standardization in air navigation to prevent conflicts and ensure safety. The discussion then shifts to safety management systems (SMS) and interface management, highlighting how SMS helps identify and mitigate risks in international operations, preventing issues from one country affecting another. Contact Safety Chats Tweet us at @BaldwinAviation Connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/baldwin-aviation-safety-&-compliance/ Follow on Facebook @BaldwinSafety Email us at baldwin@portside.co Learn more about Safety Management System’s at www.BaldwinSMS.com Thanks for listening and stay safe!
S3 · E13
Feb 29, 2024 · 16 min
Understanding Risk Assessment Mathematics
Join host Jason in Anaheim as he delves into risk assessment math. From marathon rankings to risk prioritization, Jason explores nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio measurements. Learn why ordinal numbers need careful handling and how bounded scales enhance precision. Gain practical tips to elevate safety practices in your organization. Contact Safety Chats Tweet us at @BaldwinAviation Connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/baldwin-aviation-safety-&-compliance/ Follow on Facebook @BaldwinSafety Email us at baldwin@portside.co Learn more about Safety Management System’s at www.BaldwinSMS.com Thanks for listening and stay safe!

Showing 1–20 of 20 episodes