The Afterburn Podcast
The Afterburn Podcast features interviews with military personnel, exploring their experiences in the cockpit of military jets and on the ground. Hosted by John "Rain" Waters, the show delves into the stories of the men and women who defend freedoms, covering their missions and the aircraft they operate.
Episodes
Rob "ZMan" Zettel | Inside the USAF's Red Eagles
Rob "Z-Man" Zettel is a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, commercial airline captain, and author of American MiG Pilot who served as a top-secret Red Eagles instructor pilot flying Soviet MiG-21 and MiG-23 fighter jets during the Cold War program Constant Peg.
American MiG Pilot: Inside the Top Secret USAF “Red Eagles” MiG Squadron: https://amzn.to/4fLi2DA
Air Force Officer Qualifying T
Raul Castro Indicted | Is Cuba the Next Venezuela?
On May 20th, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed a federal indictment charging former Cuban head of state Raul Castro with the murder of American civilians. That same day, the USS Nimitz carrier strike group entered the Caribbean. We break down the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue shootdown, the GAESA military conglomerate controlling Cuba's economy, and what the Venezuela playbook tells us a
OA-1K Sky Raider II | Exclusive - How AFSOC's Newest Aircraft Is Built
Watch online: https://youtu.be/uvAyxlmpBdk
We spent two days in Waco, Texas, inside the L3Harris facility where the Sky Raider II International™ is built. From the beginning, where an 802 Air Tractor enters the production line until it rolls out as Air Force Special Operations Command's newest airplane, the OA-1K Sky Raider II. We dive into what it takes to turn a crop duster into a precision-stri
China's Fifth-Generation Fighter Production Exploding | J-20 Production Surging
Video: https://youtu.be/L0D9c5nYO5E
China's Chengdu Aircraft Corporation has more than doubled J-20 production efficiency using autonomous vehicles and AI-driven dark factories. With roughly 300 J-20s in service today and output estimated at 100-120 airframes annually, the PLAAF could field over 1,000 fifth-generation fighters by 2030. Today we discuss what that production capacity means, how it c
China Helped Pakistan in Combat | J-10CE's First Real War
Watch this episode on YT: https://youtu.be/8X_ll2FrRIA
Beijing confirmed Chinese engineers were at Pakistani air bases supporting J-10CE operations during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. Today we discuss PL-15 & the J-10CE's combat performance data, what China just proved about its export hardware, and what the J-35 deal with Pakistan means now.
Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) Prep with A
Dos Gringos June 13th - Denver
Dos Gringos Concert: dosgringosdenver.com
James "Whacker" Reeman IG: @f16pilot
Whacker's Content: Fastjetfriday.com
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Col Roy "Deacon" Qualls | "Shoot Them Down If They Don't Respond" — The 9/11 ROE Nobody Talks About
Roy "Deacon" Qualls went from zero flight hours to undergraduate pilot training six months later. From there — OV-10s, F-15s, the Louisiana Air National Guard, and a parallel career at American Airlines flying the 777.
In this episode Deacon walks through some of the defining moments of that career — receiving the 9/11 shoot down order on an unclassified fax, scrambling toward Air Force One on the
Aircraft BATTLE DAMAGE Repair: The Air Force Capability You Never Hear About
When two brand new F-35s sustained catastrophic damage in separate accidents, the Air Force faced a decision most people don't know exists — write them off as total losses or call in one of the most specialized and least talked about teams in the United States Air Force. They called in the Aircraft Battle Damage Repair team. ABDR.
In this episode, I sit down with General Sebren and Senior Master
The A-10 Just Got a Massive Life Extension | Air Force Secretary Announces A-10 Extension
The Secretary of the Air Force just announced the A-10 Warthog will remain in service until at least 2030. For a platform that has been on the chopping block since Desert Storm — with depot maintenance shut down in February, training pipelines closing, and squadrons deactivating — this is a significant reversal
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Indonesia Just Rejected America's Military Overflight Request — Here's Why
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$75 Billion in Classified Programs | America's Largest Military Budget Eve
The Pentagon just submitted the largest defense budget request in American history — $1.5 trillion for fiscal year 2027 — and buried inside those numbers is a clear picture of exactly where the US military thinks the next war will be fought and how. In this video I break down what each service is actually buying, from the Air Force's $5 billion bet on the F-47 next generation fighter and $4.5 bill
NO ESCAPE: US Navy's Full Blockade of the Strait of Hormuz
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Talks FAIL in Pakistan & Frankenstein KC-135 Returns from Desert
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Nuclear Bomber Base Just Got Overflown by Unknown Drones
In March 2026, somewhere between 12 and 15 drones overflew the flight line at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana — home to the B-52 bomber fleet, Global Strike Command, and the nuclear command and control communications systems that link the President to America's nuclear arsenal. These weren't hobbyist drones. According to reports they flew in close formation, spread out and conducted various
China & Pakistan ink J-35 Stealth Fighter Deal
The J-35 is China's latest 5th generation fighter jets, and this video discusses its accelerated delivery timeline to Pakistan. We explore the implications of this advanced china fighter jet for military aircraft and the china air force.
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Maj. Gen. John "Trapper" Winters on 40 Years of Fighter Aviation
Maj. Gen. John "Trapper" Winters joins the Afterburn Podcast for a two-hour conversation covering one of the most unconventional paths to two stars in Air Force history — starting as an F-4 Electronic Warfare Officer and navigator, then beating 6% odds to earn a slot in pilot training, flying F-16s in the Aggressor program, commanding a fighter squadron, and ultimately rising to Mobilization Assis
US Airman Still on the Ground in Iran - What the U.S. is Doing to Rescue Them
Live Stream with Ward: https://www.youtube.com/live/5QSiJmqS6AQ?si=nT-Q09vbwpf3Wuow
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F-35 Test Pilot Breaks Down China's J-36, CCA, & AI in the Cockpit | Tucker "Cinco" Hamilton
Cinco's book: Unlocking the Last 20%: Rising to Greatness Through Discipline, Balance, and Resiliency https://amzn.to/48cisOP
Tucker "Cinco" Hamilton is an Air Force Colonel, experimental test pilot, and the inaugural Chief of AI Test and Operations for the Department of the Air Force. He flew 30+ aircraft, including all three variants of the F-35, logged 82 combat missions, commanded the largest
Ceasefire? Iran & U.S. Appear to Escalate | Bunker Busters Hit Isfahan & Chechnya Threatens
President Trump's recent comments on a potential Iran ceasefire have sparked much discussion, as we explore the ongoing strikes in the region and the evolving iran war. This video also covers reports of Chechen units preparing for a possible US ground invasion and Iran's reveal of a new underground base for fighter jets, all contributing to the complex middle east conflict. Stay informed on this c
Col Bud Anderson Laid to Rest at Arlington National Cemetery
On March 30th, 2026, Arlington National Cemetery honored Colonel Clarence "Bud" Anderson, a storied combat veteran and test pilot, with a moving ceremony. This tribute to his military service included flyovers featuring F-35s and iconic P-51 Mustangs, some bearing his famous "Old Crow" name. It was a poignant moment of military aviation history, showcasing the legacy of a true American veteran who
War Over in 2-4 Weeks? A-10 Gun Runs Against Iranian Proxies, F-18 Near Miss
Episode on YT: https://youtu.be/YMZk0NI0rFc
After the upload, news broke last evening that an additional attack against Prince Sultan Air Base injured numerous troops. https://www.airandspaceforces.com/us-forces-saudi-arabia-iran-attack/
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Air Canada Flight 8646: Runway Disaster at LaGuardia
Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2JnUysRvRvs
On the evening of Sunday, March 22nd, Air Canada Flight 8646 — operated by Jazz Aviation — collided with an airport firefighting and rescue vehicle that had been cleared to cross Runway 4 at LaGuardia Airport. The captain and first officer were both killed. 41 of the 72 passengers and 4 crew members were transported to the hospital, with 9 remaining h
FAT Targets: The Hidden Cost of Iran War — US Bases in the Middle East
Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/2KKwJTeSEA8
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The United States operates roughly 19 military sites across the Middle East — 8 of them permanent. For decades that presence was the strategy. Deterrence through p
America's Newest Weapon | Iran Escalates Conflict with More Strikes
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The war in Iran is escalating — and the weapons being used are getting bigger. In this video I break down three major developments from the last 48 hours.First, the GBU-72 Advanced 5K Penetrator — America's newest 5,000-pound bunker buster — has been confirmed in combat, used against missile storage facilities threatening th
Did Iran Finally Hit a US Fighter Jet?
A US F-35 was forced into an emergency landing at a US airbase in the Middle East after being struck by suspected Iranian fire during a combat mission over Iran. CENTCOM confirmed the emergency landing and that the pilot is in stable condition — but has not confirmed what hit it or whether it was enemy fire.
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Why Dubai Is in Serious Trouble — And U.S. Allies tell Trump "No" to Helping
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Iran struck Dubai International Airport for the fourth time — the busiest international airport in the world. Flights suspended. Every major international carrier pulled out. War risk premiums are up somewhere between 300 and 1,000 percent depending on the source. Emirates was st
US Strikes Iran's Oil Hub — Marines Heading to Middle East
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ATACMS Just Changed Naval Warfare | Heaviest Strike Day Yet
Day 13 of Operation Epic Fury. General Caine and Secretary Hegseth briefed this morning and several details aren't getting enough coverage. CENTCOM confirmed all six crew members of the KC-135 mishap have been killed. Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/6dMaKZ_8CuE
From the briefing: ATACMS — Army Tactical Missile Systems fired from HIMARS — have been used to sink multiple Iranian ships, includin
Fighter Pilot Mount Rushmore: Do You Agree? | Bro Chat 21
In Bro Chat #21, Mike "FLASH" McVeigh, John "RAIN" Waters, Jeff "VADER" Brandon, Jeff "BENDER" Page, and Kevin "KONAN" Parkhurst debate the greatest fighter pilots in American history — and can't fully agree on a single mountain.
Robin Olds is a given. Everything else is up for grabs.
From Royce Williams' classified Korean War sortie to Richard Bong's 40 kills in a P-38, from John Boyd's OODA lo
KC-135 Tragedy, Day 13 Epic Fury, & The Disappearance of Gen. McCasland
Welcome to a heavy, packed episode of the Afterburn Podcast. Today, we are covering breaking news out of the Middle East, rapid tactical escalations, and a highly concerning mystery stateside.
We open today's show by addressing the tragic breaking news regarding the U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker mishap in western Iraq. We discuss the known details of the mid-air collision during high-tempo Op
Iran Updates | F-15E Shoot Downs & More
As many of you probably have noticed, we've been doing a lot more with news and defense analysis over on YouTube. Short 8-15 minute videos on things that are happening. It seems to be received well and has gained some traction. Don't worry, the "standard" podcast is still happening. I think it pairs well. But maybe its not for you...and that's ok.
https://www.youtube.com/@AfterburnPodcast
With th
#146 MiG-29 Shootdown to Testing the F-22 Raptor | Mike "Dozer" Shower
Mike "Dozer" Shower is a proven combat fighter pilot, having flown both the F-15C and F-22. He is an F-15C MiG killer from Operation Allied Force and one of the original eight pilots handpicked for the F-22 Raptor's initial operational test (IOT&E) at Edwards Air Force Base. In this deep-dive interview, Dozer provides a firsthand account of the transition from 4th-generation fighters to 5th-genera
Super Bowl LX Flyover Deep Dive: The Pilots of Super Bowl 60 Flyover
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/74ItE7NtKfEThe Super Bowl flyover is an iconic tradition, but Super Bowl LX marks a historic first: a massive joint formation featuring both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy. In this episode, we dive into the "puzzle pieces" of this mission, from the complex coordination of mixed-service flight procedures to the technical challenges of flying an eight
#145 Dr. Anthony Vinci | Former NGA Chief Technology Officer | Future of A.I. & Espionage
The AI-driven future of espionage is here. In a world where China is building super soldiers and weaponizing AI, the battle to protect America's intelligence dominance has never been more critical. Hear from former NGA Chief Technology Officer Dr. Anthony Vitchie as he reveals the chilling realities of the Fourth Intelligence Revolution - from AI-powered cyber attacks to the democratization of sup
#144 Why the 2026 MH370 NEW Search is Different: New Tech & The Avionics Bay Theory | Jeff Wise
How does a massive airliner with hundreds of people onboard simply vanish off the face of the Earth? As we approach 2026, the disappearance of MH370 remains the greatest aviation mystery of our time. In this episode, I sit down with aviation investigative journalist Jeff Wise to separate fact from fiction. Jeff Wise ( @Jeff_Wise ) has spent over a decade deep in the data, appearing in documentari
#143 Fighter Pilot's Harrowing Dogfight: Aircraft on Fire, Enemy Closing In : Col Joe Peterburs
Colonel Peterburs is a highly decorated, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and legendary P-51 Mustang fighter pilot whose extraordinary service spans three wars. During WWII, serving with the 20th Fighter Group, 55th Fighter Squadron, he achieved the remarkable feat of shooting down German jet ace Walter Schuck. Later shot down himself, Col. Peterburs was captured and became a prisoner of war—only to
Bro Chat 20 - "Brakes as Required"
In this Bro Chat episode, the guys dive deep into the realities of modern fighter pilot life in the Guard and Reserve, from the brutal competition of hiring boards to DSG vs. AGR career paths, fitness test changes, and the unexpected challenges of keeping squadrons manned. They also break down the strange trade-offs behind the F-15EX, legacy parts, radar limitations, and what the future holds for
#142 Rob “Trip” Raymond | F-16 Combat, SEAD, Iraq, and Dos Gringos
Colonel (Ret) Rob “Trip” Raymond sits down with Flash McVay for one of the most wide ranging fighter pilot interviews ever captured on The Afterburn Podcast. Trip is known across the fighter community for his combat time in the F-16, his leadership as a weapons officer and commander, and, of course, his role in the legendary fighter pilot band Dos Gringos.Become an owner in Winglore Spirits. Inves
Lowdown 17 Nov | NATO Drops the E-7, Air Force Eyes New Anti-Drone Missile, Su-57 Activity
Get your free copy of the Lowdown here: https://www.lowdownnews.us/This week on The Lowdown, Rain breaks down the biggest stories shaping aviation and global defense. From the growing drama around the E-7 Wedgetail to new counter-drone weapons and intelligence developments across Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific, this episode dives deep into the headlines that matter.We start with the Air
#141 Greg "Hoser" Hansen | Carrier Landings, Soviet Intercepts & The Scariest Night Flight
Dive into the phenomenal 35-year aviation career of Greg Hansen (USNA '82), a former F-14 Tomcat pilot, Topgun student, and legendary Topgun instructor, who finished his career as a FedEx 777 Captain. In this full-length episode, Greg shares unbelievable, high-stakes stories from the height of the Cold War and his time flying with the US Navy's best. - Topgun Inside Track: Learn what it was like t
#140 Dave "Chip" Berke | TOPGUN Instructor to F-35 Commander: Fighter Pilot on Humility, Ego & Extreme Ownership
In this episode 140 of The Afterburn Podcast, Rain sits down with retired US Marine Corps fighter pilot and Echelon Front leadership instructor Dave "Chip" Berke — the only Marine ever to fly the USAF F-22 and the first to operationally fly the F-35B. From deployment on the USS John C. Stennis and TOPGUN instructor duty, to commanding the Marines’ first F-35B squadron and now helping build high-pe
#139 F-16 Fighter Pilot to Test Pilot | Keith "Coma" Colmer
From flying F-16s over Iraq to testing Virgin Galactic’s spaceplanes, Keith “Coma” Colmer has lived one of the most diverse and impactful careers in modern aviation. Raised near John Wayne’s ranch in rural Arizona, he rose from an Air Force ROTC cadet at MIT to a combat and test pilot shaping the future of flight. In this episode, Coma shares untold stories from flying GPS satellites during Desert
#138 Desert Storm: F/A-18 Hornet Pilot Bob “Bags” Simeone
In this episode of @AfterburnPodcast host John “Rain” Waters sits down with Bob “Bags” Simeone, a former Navy F/A-18 Hornet pilot who flew combat missions during Operation Desert Storm. From low-level strikes over Iraq to night tanking in icing conditions, Bags shares a raw, often hilarious, and deeply personal account of what it was like to be part of America’s return to high-end warfare after
F-35 Block 4 Delayed | "Doomsday" Plane | Aviation & Defense News
🎯 Lowdown Newsletter: https://www.lowdownnews.us/ 🔺 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast Welcome to The Lowdown, your weekly briefing on global aviation and defense. In this episode, we cover the latest on the F-35 Block 4 program and its delays, downgrades, and the TR-3 foundation for future upgrades. We also dive into the next-generation “doomsday plane,” the E-4C Nightwatch, s
Aviation & Defense News: KC-46 Issues, ICBM Upgrades, and More | The Lowdown 7 Sep
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#137 Scott "Fester" Fredrick | F-16 Fighter Pilot | Surviving an Ejection over the Pacific Ocean
In July 2012, F-16 pilot Scott “Fester” Fredrick found himself in a fight for survival over the frigid North Pacific. What began as a routine movement flight from Misawa to Eielson turned into a catastrophic engine failure, forcing him to eject over open ocean and spend more than six hours in 55-degree water before rescue.In this episode, we dive into Fester’s incredible career — from chasing the
F-15 Ejection - MiG-29 Parts Heist + More | Lowdown 18 Aug
This week on The Lowdown military aviation news: Hungarian MiG-29 theft – Thieves broke into Kecskemét Air Base and stole radar components from retired MiG-29 fighters. Was it an inside job inside NATO territory? F-15 accidental ejection – At Barnes Air National Guard Base a passenger unexpectedly ejected from an F-15D during taxi. We break down how this could happen. MQ-9 Reaper crash – A $13 mil
Bro Chat 19.0 | How to Get a Job Flying the F-35 in the Reserves
In this episode of the Bro Chat, "Flash" "Bender" and "Rain" are joined by Kevin "Konan" Parkhurst to discuss flying the F-35 in the reserves, how to get hired by a reserve or guard unit and more.Check out Authentic Media - Six months Free - Just use code 62F6D at Patreon.com/AuthenticMedia/redeem/62F6D.
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NORAD Intercepts Russian Bombers | F-35 Delays | China’s J-35 Stealth Jet Enters Service
📧 Want the full newsletter? https://www.lowdownnews.us6 months free with Authentic Media: Just use code 62F6D at Patreon.com/AuthenticMedia/redeem/62F6D. This week on The Lowdown, we break down the biggest stories in airpower and national defense: 🔺 NORAD intercepts Russian Tu-95 bombers and Su-35 fighters near Alaska 🔺 U.S. pauses full F-35 procurement until Lockheed fixes TR-3 & Block 4 delays 🔺
#136 Lorenzo Harris | “The Day I Never Talk About” | Most Intense Mission
In this episode, deeply personal conversation, A-10 Weapons Officer Lorenzo Harris opens up with Mike "Flash" McVay about the mission that changed his life, and the battle he rarely talks about. From earning the Distinguished Flying Cross for a harrowing 8-hour firefight in Afghanistan to silently struggling with guilt, identity, and loss, Lorenzo recounts how he navigated one of the most intense
KC-46s over NGAS? F-35s Make Moves | B-21 Raider Updates | Threat of the Day: SA-21 Growler
🔹 Check out my sponsor https://aura.com/afterburn to get a 14-day free trial and see if your personal information has been compromised🔹🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺 This week on The Lowdown, we break down the biggest moves in military aviation and defense: ✈️ F-16s depart Misawa Air Base as the U.S. Air Force
David Bellavia: Medal of Honor | Battle of Fallujah (Re-Release)
David Bellavia earned the Medal of Honor for his actions on November 10, 2004, during Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah, Iraq—one of the most intense urban battles in U.S. military history. In this re-release of The Afterburn Podcast, Bellavia shares raw, unfiltered reflections on leadership in combat, the trauma of modern warfare, and the deep bonds of brotherhood forged in battle.David's book -
What is China's Latest J-20 Variant | KC-46 Loses Boom & More
🔹 Check out my sponsor https://aura.com/afterburn to get a 14-day free trial and see if your personal information has been compromised🔹 🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺 Welcome to this week’s Lowdown with The Afterburn Podcast! 🚀 Dive into the latest defense and aerospace news, including China’s new J-20S twin-se
What's Really Impressive about Operation Midnight Hammer
🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺 In this episode of The Lowdown, we’re breaking down one of the biggest military aviation operations in recent memory — Operation Midnight Hammer, a massive coordinated strike targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructure. With over 125+ aircraft, B-2 stealth bombers, Tomahawk missiles,
Bro Chat 18.0 Fighter Pilot Reality, F-35 Magic, Why Torching Waymo Cars is Bad
Three time zones. One car seat. Two hotel WiFi connections held together by hope. In this Bro Chat, “Rain”, “Vader”, and “Bender” catch up on everything from flying jets to why flyovers are a lose-lose game. Vader’s knee-deep in the IPUG grind, Bender’s dodging work at a chill TDY, and Rain’s flying big ole fat planes around the world. We break down F-35 vs Viper radar logic, relive the Indy 500 f
F-18 Journey Through TopGun and Beyond | Ep 135 Vincent "Jell-O" Aiello
In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, host John “Rain” Waters sits down with Vincent “Jell-O” Aiello, former Navy fighter pilot and host of the @FighterPilotPodcast for a deep dive into the highs and hardships of naval aviation. From his first spark of inspiration at an airshow to flying over 700 successful carrier landings, Jell-O shares a candid and compelling journey through the world of
#134 Vince "Snapper" Sherer | A-10 Fighter Pilot - Inside Close Air Support and Combat Operations
In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, John “Rain” Waters is joined by Vince “Snapper” Sherer, a veteran A-10 pilot with 4,500 flight hours and 299 combat missions. Snapper breaks down his path from the Air Force Academy to deployments across Afghanistan flying the A-10A and A-10C, including time in the MC-12. He details the evolution of close air support, the integration of targeting pods, and
Dos Gringos is Back! Live Concert 7 June 2025
Before Netflix made their documentary, Dos Gringos captured the true spirit of the USAF Thunderbirds. Born in the trenches of a fighter squadron and fueled by the finest Jeremiah Weed, Dos Gringos turned the fighter pilot life into a soundtrack—raw, irreverent, and unapologetically real. On June 7th, "Trip" and "Snooze" reunite for a one-night-only gig that’ll rock your socks off in support of the
#133 Trent “Teddy” Meisel | F-16 Fighter Pilot
In Episode 133, John “Rain” Waters sits down with F-16 pilot Trent “Teddy” Meisel for a gripping and emotional conversation. Teddy walks us through his journey from small-town Oklahoma to the cockpit of the Viper, including a traumatic ejection over South Korea that nearly cost him his life. "Teddy" is also the founder of @4th_GenHuntingCo This episode dives into the moment-by-moment chaos of tha
#132 Denmark's F-16 Demo Pilot | Troels "TEO" VangTroels
In this episode, Captain Troels “TEO” Vang joins The Afterburn Podcast host, John “Rain” Waters. As one of the most experienced F-16 pilots in the Royal Danish Air Force, TEO offers an in-depth look into the life of a European Viper driver with more than two decades of combat aviation experience. From missions over Libya, Iraq, Syria, and the Baltics to leading Denmark’s F-16 solo display team acr
#131 Future of the Wild Weasel - Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD)
In Part V of the SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) series, host Mike “Flash” McVay sits down once again with A-10 pilot Ridge "Kelso" Flick to dive deep into the critical role the Warthog plays in SEAD and close air support operations. Drawing from his extensive experience flying the A-10 in hostile environments, Kelso shares insights into how low-level tactics, survivability, and precision
B-2 Show of Force - Air Force Readiness Declines - F-47 Next Gen Fighter | Lowdown 4 Apr 2025
🔺Lowdown Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺 In this packed episode of The Lowdown, host John “Rain” Waters breaks down a wide range of developments in global military aviation and defense strategy. From General Kane’s anticipated confirmation as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the strategic forward positioning of B-2 bombers on Diego Garcia, the episode delivers an insider
#130 SEAD Part IV - Operation Iraqi Freedom
Mike “Flash” McVay welcomes seasoned fighter pilot Sham “Vandal” Mann to break down the evolution of the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses mission in the Viper community. From crafting airplanes out of bobby pins as a toddler to executing real-world SEAD missions over Baghdad, this guest’s career spans decades of pivotal moments in combat aviation. Listeners will hear how a single incentive flight
Through the Yellow Visor - Fighter Pilot Podcast Host Jell-O's Book
Through the Yellow Visor: https://amzn.to/4jaAfc6Get a signed copy: https://www.fighterpilotpodcast.com/product-page/through-the-yellow-visorIn this short promo episode, host John “Rain” Waters highlights an exciting new release from fellow aviator and podcast host Vincent “Jell-O” Aiello, founder of the Fighter Pilot Podcast. Jell-O’s new book offers a rare, first-person look into the making of a
#129 SEAD Part III - Operation Allied Force - Wild Weasel Fighter Pilot
In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, we continue our Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) series hosted by Mike “Flash” McVay.Our guest, Sonny “Blink” Blinkinsop, brings decades of Wild Weasel experience to the table — from Vietnam-era air combat tactics to F-16 SEAD missions during Operation Allied Force. Blink dives into the mindset shift required when flying into heavily defended airsp
#128 Desert Storm's Wild Weasels | Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses Part II
In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, host Mike "Flash" McVay continues the exploration of the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) in Part II of the series. Joined by Pat “Curly” Pence, they delve into the evolution of the Wild Weasel mission during Operation Desert Storm. Curly recounts his progression from pilot training to becoming a Wild Weasel, sharing insights into the challenges an
#127 Vietnam Wild Weasels | Deadly Evolution of Surface-to-Air Missiles
In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, Mike “Flash” McVay hosts Leonard “Lucky” Ekman and Jim “Gringo” Webster, two original Wild Weasel fighter pilots from Vietnam, as they share firsthand experiences and insights from their military careers. This is Part I of the five-part Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) Series. The discussion follows their journeys from joining the military to their
Surface to Air Missiles (SAMs) Lowdown
The Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) mission has evolved alongside the development of Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) systems. In this episode of The Lowdown, host Mike "Flash" McVay takes a deep dive into the history and advancements of SAM technology, from its early origins to today’s modern, highly integrated air defense networks.🛡️ How did SAMs start? The first concepts of surface-to-air
F-16 Bombing Accident, KC-46 Grounded, Su-57 Stop in Iran & More
🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺In this week’s Lowdown on The Afterburn Podcast, we cover the Korean F-16 bombing mishap, the Air Force grounding KC-46 tankers, Ukraine’s new GBU-39 bomb strikes, and Russia’s Su-57 stopping in Iran. From defense industry failures to high-stakes air combat updates, this is your go
Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) Introduction
The Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) mission, better known as the Wild Weasel mission, has been a critical component of air warfare since Vietnam. In this special five-part series, host Mike "Flash" McVay explores the evolution of SEAD from its early days in Rolling Thunder to Desert Storm, Kosovo, and today’s modern air battles.🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://b
#126 Brad Thomas | Surviving Black Hawk Down Inside Look | Ranger Regiment - Delta Force
In this episode of The Afterburn Podcast, he reflects on his time in 3rd Ranger Battalion, the intense urban warfare of Black Hawk Down. Recently, Brad was featured in Netflix’s Surviving Black Hawk Down. #blackhawkdown Brad takes us inside the realities of special operations, how gear and tactics evolved, and the raw, unfiltered truth about Mogadishu that Hollywood didn’t tell.
Brad Thomas has li
J-20 Beast Mode, Navy Crash & Chernobyl Drone Strike | The Lowdown
🔺 Lowdown Newsletter Defense & Aviation - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺
The U.S. Navy’s USS Harry S. Truman was struck by a merchant vessel in the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s air exercise featured JF-17s, Rafales, F-16s, and F-15s, showcasing multinational airpower. A drone strike at Chernobyl punctured the protective dome over Reactor 4, highlighting security vulnerabiliti
#123 Derek 'Woody' Oaks – C-130 to A-10 | Combat Flying & Leadership
In this episode of The Afterburn Podcast, Mike “Flash” McVay sits down with Col (Ret) Derek "Woody" Oaks, a pilot who made the rare transition from flying C-130 to the A-10. Woody shares his experiences flying combat missions, the challenges of transitioning between vastly different airframes, and the leadership lessons he learned throughout his Air Force career. From his time at the Air
Frankenstein F-35 - Marine Corps F-35 Shakeup - U.S. Official Caught Selling Secrets to China
🔺 Lowdown Newsletter Defense & Aviation - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺
This week on The Lowdown, we break down the biggest headlines in defense and aviation. The Marine Corps is shifting its F-35 fleet, cutting planned F-35B purchases in favor of more carrier-based F-35Cs.
The Air Force has built a Frankenstein F-35—merging two damaged jets into one combat-ready aircraft. We also cover
Su-35s for Iran, China's "Special" boats, and Sweden’s Big Military Gift
🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter
This week on The Lowdown, we break down the latest aviation and defense stories. An F-35 crashed in Alaska, but the pilot ejected safely. Meanwhile, Iran has secured a deal to purchase Su-35 fighters from Russia, adding to its aging fleet of F-14s and MiG-29s. We also discuss Sweden
#123 - What Happened to Malaysian Airlines Flight 370 | Jeff Wise
In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, we dive into the mystery surrounding Malaysian Airlines Flight 370. The disappearance of MH370 remains a mystery. In this episode, former fighter pilot and current 777 pilot John 'Rain' Waters interviews aviation expert and author Jeff Wise on the mysterious disappearance of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370.
Explore the detailed timeline, cyber vulnerabilit
#125 Fighter Aircraft Maintenance | Col Hall Sebren
In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, Colonel G. Hall Sebren Jr., Deputy Commander of the Air Force Sustainment Center, discusses the critical role of aircraft maintenance in the U.S. Air Force. He shares insights on the challenges of maintaining fighter jets like the F-16, the importance of communication between operations and maintenance teams, and the complexities of keeping the nation's ai
F-22 IRST Upgrade, A-10's Stranded, & Boeing's BIG Loss
🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter
This week on The Lowdown, we cover some of the biggest stories in aviation and defense. The A-10 Warthogs that were stranded overseas are finally home. We take a look at the MiG-29 for our Threat of the Day. Meanwhile, the F-22 Raptor is getting a major enhancement with the new IRST
#124 Lt General (ret) Dan "Razin" Caine | F-16 Air National Guard | 9/11 Scramble | JSOC | CIA
Join host John 'Rain' Waters as he sits down with recently retired Lt. Gen. Dan ‘Razin’ Caine, former Associate Director for Military Affairs at the CIA and F-16 Fighter pilot. In this episode, Lt. Gen. Caine reflects on his incredible journey from flying F-16s in the Air National Guard to leading special operations missions and working at the highest levels of intelligence. Discover untold storie
Bro Chat 17.0
In this episode, Jeff "Vader" Brandon, Jeff "Bender" Page, and John "Rain" Waters rejoin for a fighter pilot "bro chat" to cover various military topics, including the humorous aspects of military life, the complexities of awards and recognition, the hiring and training processes for fighter pilots, the escalation of global conflicts, and the importance of h
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