The Afterburn Podcast

John "Rain" Waters
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The Afterburn Podcast
"THERE I WAS..." STORIES

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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/

  1. Dos Gringos is Back! Live Concert 7 June 2025

    MAY 7 · BONUS

    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 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

    14 min
  2. #133 Trent “Teddy” Meisel | F-16 Fighter Pilot

    APR 27

    #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 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

    1h 17m
  3. "There I was..." with "Teddy"

    APR 27 · BONUS • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    "There I was..." with "Teddy"

    "There I was..." is a special segment where guests share unique, untold stories—moments you'd only hear in a squadron bar. Now available on Patreon, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and BogiDope Members, this exclusive Afterburn Podcast series delivers unparalleled insights into military aviation. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast⁠ | http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast In this episode, "Teddy" talks about his first flight back in the Viper after surviving an ejection.

    11 min
  4. #132 Denmark's F-16 Demo Pilot | Troels "TEO" VangTroels

    APR 18

    #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 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

    1h 4m
  5. "There I was..." with "TEO"

    APR 16 · BONUS • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    "There I was..." with "TEO"

    "There I was..." is a special segment where guests share unique, untold stories—moments you'd only hear in a squadron bar. Now available on Patreon, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and BogiDope Members, this exclusive Afterburn Podcast series delivers unparalleled insights into military aviation. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast⁠ | http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast In this conversation, TEO shares his experiences during military operations, focusing on the challenges of dynamic targeting and communication in high-pressure situations. He discusses the initial confusion and learning curve associated with new operational methods, the difficulties of radio communication, and the impact of language barriers in multinational military environments. The conversation concludes with a light-hearted exchange about future collaborations and performances.

    10 min
  6. #131 Future of the Wild Weasel - Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD)

    APR 11

    #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 targeting come together in the face of modern air defense threats. From Cold War-era training to post-9/11 combat deployments, this episode explores how A-10 pilots adapted to evolving SAM and AAA threats while maintaining their mission to protect ground forces. Kelso’s perspective offers a unique look at the intersection of close air support and SEAD, highlighting the courage and coordination required in every mission. Stay tuned and subscribe for more frontline stories and tactical lessons from the world of combat aviation and special operations. 🛫 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

    59 min
  7. B-2 Show of Force - Air Force Readiness Declines - F-47 Next Gen Fighter | Lowdown 4 Apr 2025

    APR 4

    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’s perspective on rapidly evolving geopolitical signals. Rain discusses the implications of retiring the A-10 from the Maryland Air National Guard, the ongoing debate around the sixth-generation F-47 fighter, and why the Air Force’s readiness rates are falling year-over-year. He also touches on troubling espionage cases involving U.S. soldiers, a bold Russian SOF infiltration via gas pipeline in Ukraine, and a $15 million bounty tied to illicit drone tech transfers. Plus, hear about the KC-135's service life extension into the 2050s and the story behind the lost B-2 at Andersen AFB in 2008. Don't miss the update on the SEAD series and the legacy of Wild Weasel missions. 🛫 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

    13 min
  8. #130 SEAD Part IV - Operation Iraqi Freedom

    APR 4

    #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 in an F-16 transformed a lifelong dream of flying Eagles into a passion for the Viper’s multi-role capabilities. The guest shares his formative years at Nellis as a maintenance officer during the transition from F-4G to F-16CJ in the Weasel role, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the mission set developed. He discusses deployments supporting Operations Northern Watch and Southern Watch, including a gripping account of being in Turkey when 9/11 occurred and the following political complications. As the conversation shifts to Operation Iraqi Freedom, he recalls leading night SEAD sorties over Baghdad, vividly describing the chaos, coordination, and execution of real-time missions under fire. 🛫 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

    2h 14m
See All (282)

4.9
out of 5
900 Ratings

About

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/

Information

  • Creator
    John "Rain" Waters
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    282
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © John "Rain" Waters
  • Show Website
    The Afterburn Podcast
  • Provider
    John Waters

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