🔺 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, and full-spectrum cyber warfare involved, this was no ordinary mission. We also dive into two maj...
Jun 27, 2025•8 min•Ep. 173
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 flyover chaos, and the Netflix Thunderbird doc (what happened with “Primo’s” rejoin ). Also: Iranian ...
Jun 20, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 135
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 military flight. They discuss the grit required to survive flight school, the evolution of airmanship ...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 132
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 the challenges of executing time-sensitive strikes in complex environments. Snapper also shares how...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 172
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 Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. They'll reflect on the wild ride that made their mus...
May 07, 2025•14 min
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 that day in May 2023, when a systems failure during a combat exercise forced him to make the ultimate ca...
Apr 27, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 133
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 across Europe, TEO shares powerful insights into tactical flying, military leadership, and the future o...
Apr 18, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 133
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 targeting come together in the face of modern air defense threats. From Cold War-era training to po...
Apr 11, 2025•59 min•Ep. 132
🔺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’s perspective on rapidly evolving geopolitical signals. Rain discusses the implications of retirin...
Apr 04, 2025•13 min•Ep. 130
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 in an F-16 transformed a lifelong dream of flying Eagles into a passion for the Viper’s multi-role ...
Apr 04, 2025•2 hr 14 min•Ep. 130
Through the Yellow Visor: https://amzn.to/4jaAfc6 Get a signed copy: https://www.fighterpilotpodcast.com/product-page/through-the-yellow-visor In 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 real fighter pilot—from his early dreams sparked at an airshow, through flight school, and ultim...
Apr 01, 2025•5 min
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 airspace, the evolution of SEAD tactics, and what it truly means to wear the Weasel patch. This episo...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 129
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 and tactics of air combat against surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems. The conversation further explo...
Mar 22, 2025•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 131
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 roles in some of the most dangerous combat missions of the Vietnam War. They dive deep into the evol...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr 52 min•Ep. 131
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 guided weapons were developed in WWII, but it wasn’t until the Cold War that the technology became...
Mar 11, 2025•17 min•Ep. 130
🔺 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-to briefing for global military and aviation news . 🚀 Topics Covered: South Korean F-16s ...
Mar 08, 2025•13 min•Ep. 129
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://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫 🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense,...
Mar 07, 2025•16 min•Ep. 128
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 lived multiple lives—Army Ranger assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment and combat veteran of the Battle...
Feb 21, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 127
🔺 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 vulnerabilities. China’s J-20 stealth fighter was spotted in "Beast Mode" carrying up to 14 PL-15 long-range mi...
Feb 19, 2025•7 min
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 Force Academy to commanding a fighter group, “Woody” reflects on decision-making in combat, the art of close ...
Feb 16, 2025•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 126
🔺 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 the Kirov-Class battlecruiser revival, a major development for the Russian Navy. The U.S. deploye...
Feb 12, 2025•15 min
🔺 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’s massive $1.2 billion military aid package to Ukraine, which includes combat boats, anti-tank mis...
Feb 05, 2025•13 min
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 vulnerabilities, military responses, and the controversial theories behind this aviation enigma. From the role o...
Feb 04, 2025•1 hr 55 min•Ep. 123
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 aircraft combat-ready. Col. Sebren also touches on the Air Force's sustainment strategies for legacy a...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr 31 min
🔺 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 (Infrared Search and Track) system, increasing its ability to detect threats passively. We also br...
Jan 29, 2025•9 min•Ep. 124
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 stories from Desert Storm and SCUD hunts, lessons from the test center in Tucson, and insights on informat...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 124
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 having clear strategic objectives in military operations. 🛫 Launch Your Aviation Career: http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫 🔺 Grab our f...
Jan 10, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 123
🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺 In this week’s episode of The Lowdown, John 'Rain' Waters explores the integration of China’s HQ-22 surface-to-air missile system into Serbia’s air defense. Known as the 'Red Banner,' this advanced missile system is capable of targeting aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles with Mach 6 speed and a range of 62 nautical miles. Discover how the HQ-22 compares to the U.S. Patriot ...
Jan 09, 2025•11 min
Watch Hollywood Gate at jolt.film/3N97E99 IG: @IbrahimNSHT IG: @joltfilm | https://www.facebook.com/joltspacefilm Documentary filmmaker Ibrahim Nash’at joins The Afterburn Podcast to share the extraordinary story behind Hollywood Gate, his harrowing year embedded with the Taliban during their rise to power in Afghanistan. Gain unparalleled insights into the human side of the Taliban, the challenges of capturing history in the making, and the global implications of their return to rule. Don’t mis...
Dec 20, 2024•59 min•Ep. 122
“Toad’s” Layman Geopolitics https://laymangeopolitics.substack.com/p/navigating-the-syrian-labyrinth 🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter In this episode of the Afterburn podcast, the "Flash" McVay hosts "Toad" Williamson and "Zero" Fox. Both "Toad" and "Zero" are intelligence officers and provide their insight into the historical context of presidential transitions, focusing on the implications of power shifts in U...
Dec 16, 2024•29 min
