The Afterburn Podcast

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John "Rain" Waters
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17.2K - 28.6K listeners Male 4.9 rating 1145 reviews 217 episodes USA
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Strap in the cockpit as we dive into the stories of the men and women who defend the freedoms we love. From the cockpit of military jets to boots on the ground. The Afterburn Podcast dives into their stories, the planes, and the missions.

For Advertising Opportunities or more information visit: https://theafterburnpodcast.com/

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Recent Hosts, Guests & Topics

Here's a quick summary of the last 5 episodes on The Afterburn Podcast.

Hosts

Previous Guests

Vincent "Jell-O" Aiello is a former Navy fighter pilot, author of 'Through the Yellow Visor,' and host of the Fighter Pilot Podcast. He has extensive experience in military aviation, including over 700 successful carrier landings and deployments aboard the USS George Washington and USS John F. Kennedy.
Vince 'Snapper' Sherer is a veteran A-10 fighter pilot with 4,500 flight hours and 299 combat missions. He has served in the U.S. Air Force, flying the A-10A and A-10C aircraft, including deployments across Afghanistan. His experience includes time in the MC-12 aircraft. Snapper has extensive knowledge of close air support, weapons employment, and combat leadership. His personal experiences, including his brother's career-ending accident and a high-casualty strike on a high-value target, have shaped his approach to military operations and leadership.
Trip is one half of the iconic band Dos Gringos, known for their irreverent and authentic portrayal of the fighter pilot lifestyle through music. The band originated from the USAF Thunderbirds and has gained a legendary status among military personnel and aviation enthusiasts.
Snooze is the other half of Dos Gringos, a band that captures the spirit of the fighter pilot experience. With a background in the military, Snooze contributes to the band's unique sound and storytelling, making their music a staple in ready rooms around the world.
Trent Teddy Meisel is an F-16 fighter pilot who hails from small-town Oklahoma. He is known for his remarkable journey in aviation, particularly for his experience during a traumatic ejection over South Korea that nearly cost him his life. Teddy is also the founder of 4th Gen Hunting Co., a company that reflects his passion for the outdoors and his recovery journey following his ejection. His story emphasizes resilience, the realities of military aviation, and the camaraderie built among pilots.
Captain Troels TEO Vang is a highly experienced F-16 pilot in the Royal Danish Air Force, with over two decades of combat aviation experience. He has participated in missions over Libya, Iraq, Syria, and the Baltics, and has led Denmark's F-16 solo display team across Europe. TEO is known for his insights into tactical flying and military leadership, and he discusses the cultural and structural contrasts between the U.S. and Danish Air Forces. He also highlights Denmark's unique 37-hour workweek model, which may contribute to long-term pilot retention. TEO is recognized for his role in intercepting Russian aircraft and performing at international airshows, embodying the spirit of the fighter pilot brotherhood.

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Subscribers: 39,900
Total Videos: 6,454
Total Views: 15,509,877
Joined: Jun 30, 2021
Location: United States

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Get the hottest takes and expert insights from the athletes who played the game at the highest level.

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Bleav is a sports and entertainment Studio, producing premium content for all passionate fanbases. #WeBleav

Episodes

Here's the recent few episodes on The Afterburn Podcast.

0:00 1:17:42

F-18 Journey Through TopGun and Beyond | Ep 135 Vincent "Jell-O" Aiello

Hosts
John Rain Waters
Guests
Vincent "Jell-O" Aiello
Keywords
naval aviation fighter pilot Top Gun carrier landings military flight adversary pilot F-16 military service mentorship storytelling

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 and training, and the life-changing experience of attending Top Gun. J

Jell-O recounts intense moments from deployments aboard the USS George Washington and John F. Kennedy, reflects on the emotional toll of military service, and gives insight into his time flying as an adversary pilot in the F-16. He also opens up about his book, Through the Yellow Visor, and how storytelling plays a crucial role in honoring those who serve. This episode is rich with wisdom on perseverance, mentorship, and what it truly means to be a fighter pilot. 

Through the Yellow Visor: https://amzn.to/4jaAfc6 

Get a signed copy: https://www.fighterpilotpodcast.com/product-page/through-the-yellow-visor

🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫

🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3Aviation

Become a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast

Sponsors:

💉Take Control of Your Health with Whole Body Lab Testing: https://bit.ly/FunctionHealthAfterburn 🩺

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0:00 1:33:43

#134 Vince "Snapper" Sherer | A-10 Fighter Pilot - Inside Close Air Support and Combat Operations

Hosts
John Rain Waters
Guests
Vince "Snapper" Sherer
Keywords
A-10 fighter jet close air support combat operations air force deployments targeting pods time-sensitive strikes ground support military aviation

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 personal events—including his brother’s career-ending accident and a high-casualty strike on a high-value target—shaped his approach to combat and leadership. The discussion covers training, weapons employment, A-10 capabilities, and the operational realities of supporting ground forces across multiple conflicts.

Snapper YT: https://www.youtube.com/@snapperland

Snapper IG: https://www.instagram.com/snapperland

🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫

🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3Aviation

Become a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast

Sponsors:

💉Take Control of Your Health with Whole Body Lab Testing: https://bit.ly/FunctionHealthAfterburn 🩺

🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial

0:00 14:27

Dos Gringos is Back! Live Concert 7 June 2025

Guests
Trip Snooze
Keywords
Dos Gringos USAF Thunderbirds fighter pilot live concert Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum F-16 music Denver

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 music legendary in ready rooms across the globe.

The Event: DosGringosDenver.Com
Listen to Dos Gringos on Spotify: Spotify Link
FlyteCo Brewing Tennyson: Flyteco Tower
Trip’s Spirits: Winglore Spirits
Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 5:00–8:00 PM
Location: FlyteCo Tower Brewery, 3120 Uinta St, Denver, CO 80238 (Note: Event is at an offsite location)

What's going down:
Dos Gringos, the iconic Fighter Pilot Band, is storming FlyteCo Tower to rock out and fuel a mission that’s as high-octane as their music: hauling a Thunderbirds F-16—painted in that classic red-white-and-blue—across state lines to land at the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. This isn’t just a concert—it’s a full-throttle push to ship a 30,000-pound jet from Texas to Denver.

Tickets:
$100 GA: Rock with Dos Gringos & help get the F-16 on its way. Open seating.
$250 VIP: Tower-top tour** + band meet-up + VIP seating overlooking the action + premium Winglore Spirits tasting.

🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫

🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3Aviation

Become a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast

Sponsors:

💉Take Control of Your Health with Whole Body Lab Testing: https://bit.ly/FunctionHealthAfterburn 🩺

🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial

0:00 1:17:09

#133 Trent “Teddy” Meisel | F-16 Fighter Pilot

Hosts
John Rain Waters
Guests
Trent Teddy Meisel
Keywords
F-16 fighter pilot ejection South Korea Total Force Integration Guard unit camaraderie resilience pilot culture modern air combat

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 call—pulling the ejection handle. Teddy reflects on what went wrong, how his training kicked in, and what it’s like to come back from an ejection both physically and mentally. 

Rain and Teddy also discuss the realities of Total Force Integration, life in a Guard unit, and the camaraderie forged through the crucible of flying fighters. Plus, hear how Teddy founded 4th Gen Hunting Co. and how the outdoors became part of his recovery journey. This is more than a story of survival—it’s a deep dive into resilience, pilot culture, and the unforgiving nature of modern air combat. 4th GenHuntingCo: 

https://www.4thgenhuntingco.com/

🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫

🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3Aviation

Become a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast

Sponsors:

💉Take Control of Your Health with Whole Body Lab Testing: https://bit.ly/FunctionHealthAfterburn 🩺

🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial

0:00 1:03:44

#132 Denmark's F-16 Demo Pilot | Troels "TEO" VangTroels

Hosts
John Rain Waters
Guests
Troels TEO Vang
Keywords
F-16 Royal Danish Air Force combat aviation tactical flying military leadership fighter aviation Denmark airshows Dannebrog paint scheme pilot retention

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 of fighter aviation. He and Rain discuss the cultural and structural contrasts between the U.S. and Danish Air Forces, and how Denmark’s 37-hour workweek model may be the secret to long-term pilot retention. 

TEO also unpacks the evolution of the Danish demo jet—including the iconic “Dannebrog” paint scheme honoring the world’s oldest national flag and the F-16’s 50th anniversary. Whether he’s intercepting Russian aircraft or wowing crowds at international airshows, Captain TEO exemplifies the mindset and mission of the fighter pilot brotherhood. Subscribe for more veteran stories, tactical airpower insight, and global combat aviation perspectives.

🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫

🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3Aviation

Become a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast

Sponsors:

💉Take Control of Your Health with Whole Body Lab Testing: https://bit.ly/FunctionHealthAfterburn 🩺

🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial

Ratings

Global:
4.9 rating 1145 reviews

USA

4.9 ratings 904 reviews

Canada

4.9 ratings 79 reviews

Australia

4.9 ratings 79 reviews

UK

5.0 ratings 67 reviews

New Zealand

4.9 ratings 10 reviews

South Africa

5.0 ratings 4 reviews

Ireland

5.0 ratings 1 reviews

Singapore

5.0 ratings 1 reviews