The Story Behind Benny Blanco’s Grounded Life
Picture a world-class music producer like Benny Blanco, the creative force behind hits for artists like Selena Gomez and Halsey, who has built a career on collaboration and innovation. Yet, amidst his jet-set lifestyle, there’s a quiet truth: Blanco rarely takes to the skies. This isn’t about a dramatic phobia straight out of a thriller—it’s a layered mix of anxiety, personal experiences, and deliberate choices that keep him earthbound. As someone who’s spent years covering human stories, I’ve seen how even the most successful people grapple with everyday challenges, and Blanco’s aversion to flying offers a window into that vulnerability. Let’s unpack the why, drawing from interviews, expert insights, and real-world parallels, while weaving in steps you can take if you’re in a similar spot.
Blanco has openly shared in podcasts and social media that his discomfort with flying stems from a blend of panic attacks and a sense of losing control at 30,000 feet. It’s not just him—millions face this, turning what should be routine travel into a mental hurdle. Through this lens, we can explore not only his reasons but also how to navigate such fears, turning them into opportunities for growth rather than roadblocks.
Diving into the Reasons: What Keeps Blanco on Solid Ground
At its core, Blanco’s reluctance to fly isn’t a quirky habit; it’s rooted in psychology and life events. He once described a turbulent flight as feeling like “being tossed in a metal cage during a storm,” a vivid comparison that captures the disorienting chaos. Experts in aviation psychology point to factors like generalized anxiety disorder or specific phobias, often triggered by news of plane crashes or personal turbulence. For Blanco, it might trace back to early tours where long flights amplified his stress, morphing into a pattern he now avoids.
But it’s not all fear—there’s strategy too. In an era of video calls and digital collaborations, Blanco has turned this into an advantage. He opts for road trips or trains, allowing him to connect with the world at his own pace. Think of it like a musician tweaking a beat until it feels right; he adapts his travel to fit his mental rhythm. Unique examples abound: artists like Keanu Reeves have similar preferences, choosing motorcycles over planes for cross-country moves, showing how creative pros rewrite the rules of mobility.
Actionable Steps to Tackle Your Own Flying Fears
If Blanco’s story resonates, you’re not alone—and the good news is that change is possible. Drawing from cognitive behavioral techniques and insights from therapists I’ve interviewed, here’s how to start easing into the skies. Remember, progress isn’t linear; it’s like climbing a hill where each step builds momentum, even if you slip back now and then.
- Start with self-assessment: Grab a notebook and jot down what specifically unnerves you about flying—turbulence, takeoff, or the unknown? Blanco might pinpoint his triggers through journaling, which helped him identify patterns. Be brutally honest, as this clarity acts like a map for your journey ahead.
- Build exposure gradually: Don’t leap into a transatlantic flight right away. Begin with short drives to an airport or watching flight simulations online. For instance, apps like FearOfFlying.com offer virtual reality experiences that simulate takeoffs without the real risk, much like how Blanco might have eased into studio sessions after a tough day.
- Incorporate breathing and mindfulness routines: When anxiety hits, try the 4-7-8 technique—in through the nose for four counts, hold for seven, out for eight. I once saw a client transform their panic this way before a family trip. Blanco could adapt this during car rides, turning it into a pre-flight ritual that steadies the mind like a well-tuned guitar string.
- Seek professional support early: A therapist specializing in phobias can be a game-changer. Programs like those from the SOAR program combine education with exposure therapy. Imagine Blanco working with one to reframe his flights as just another creative challenge, turning fear into fuel.
- Prepare your environment: Pack essentials like noise-cancelling headphones or a favorite playlist to drown out turbulence. Blanco might use this to focus on music production ideas mid-journey, shifting his energy from dread to creativity.
These steps aren’t quick fixes; they’re building blocks. I remember profiling a teacher who overcame her fear using similar tactics, going from canceling vacations to leading school trips. The emotional high comes when you realize you’re in control, but there are lows too—like the frustration of canceled plans. Push through with patience.
Unique Examples from Real Life and Beyond
To make this tangible, let’s look at parallels. Take actor Neil Patrick Harris, who has spoken about his flying jitters; he combats it by focusing on in-flight routines, like reading scripts. Or consider how Blanco’s choice influences his work: instead of flying to meetings, he hosts virtual sessions, fostering deeper connections without the stress. These aren’t textbook cases—they’re human stories that show adaptation in action.
Another angle: environmental concerns. While not Blanco’s main reason, some like Greta Thunberg avoid flying for its carbon footprint, using trains for global travels. This adds a layer, reminding us that not flying can be a conscious decision with broader impacts, like reducing personal emissions by opting for rail.
Practical Tips for Ground-Based Alternatives
If flying still feels out of reach, embrace alternatives that keep you moving. For Blanco, this means road trips that double as inspiration hunts—think driving from LA to New York for a project, stopping at diners for fresh ideas. Here are a few tips to make it work:
- Map out scenic routes using apps like Google Maps for hidden gems, turning travel into an adventure rather than a chore.
- Create a travel playlist or podcast lineup to keep your mind engaged, much like Blanco might with his music catalog.
- Budget for comfort: Invest in a reliable car or high-speed train ticket, ensuring the journey feels luxurious, not laborious.
- Turn it social: Invite a friend or collaborator along, transforming potential isolation into shared stories, as Blanco does with his network.
- Track your progress: Use a journal to note what works, building a personal guide that evolves, just as Blanco refines his productions.
In the end, Blanco’s story isn’t about limitation; it’s about resilience and reinvention. As I’ve learned from years of storytelling, our quirks often lead to our greatest strengths. Whether you’re a producer like him or just someone eyeing that next trip, these insights can help you navigate your path with confidence.