Full episode: https://youtu.be/bYhgRi8nvjM

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. 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

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

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 strikes, the death of the F-35 order, AI drones that headshot mannequins, and why Waymo might trigger Skynet.
Come for the jet talk. Stay for the tuna sandwich fight story.

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

00:00 Morning Routine and Technical Issues
03:00 Active Duty Challenges and Maintenance Issues
08:53 Pilot Hiring and Training Dynamics
11:57 Squadron Stories and Experiences
14:56 iPod Training and Air Combat Tactics
17:59 Technological Advances in Air Combat
21:08 Comparing Fighter Jets and Their Capabilities
24:59 Navigating Tactical Challenges
26:43 The Art of Flyovers and Air Shows
28:14 Memorable Flyover Experiences
30:34 Documentary Insights on Air Shows
32:41 The Reality of Training and Performance
34:54 Current Events and Military Operations
40:32 Escalating Global Tensions
44:42 The Rise of Drone Warfare
47:16 Innovations in Military Technology
50:17 Challenges in Modern Air Combat
53:55 The Future of the F-35 Program
01:00:01 The Complexities of Military Procurement

🎸 Can’t make it in person? Watch the concert LIVE right here!
We’re streaming the Dos Gringos Benefit Concert straight from FlyteCo Tower Brewery in Denver — and you’re invited to join the mission.

Dos Gringos — the iconic fighter pilot band — is playing one night only to help fund a high-powered mission: transporting a Thunderbird F-16 jet from Sheppard AFB, Texas to the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum.

Want to support the mission?
👉 Donate here: https://bit.ly/DosGringos_Denver
All contributions are tax-deductible through our 501(c)(3) partner.

🎯 This isn’t just a gig. It’s a 30,000-pound push to preserve airpower heritage.

Saturday, June 7, 2025
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Mountain Time)
Live from FlyteCo Tower – 3120 Uinta St, Denver, CO


🎶 Fighter pilots. Loud guitars. One epic night.
✈️ Let’s bring this jet home.

#DosGringos #ThunderbirdF16 #AfterburnPodcast #LiveMusic #FighterPilot #WingsOverTheRockies #FlyteCoTower



🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4916893483008000

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. 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

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

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 IG: https://www.instagram.com/snapperland/
Snapper YT: https://www.youtube.com/@UCUJ7iscuyXRk2P4JKwpfJUg

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

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/

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

00:00 – Teddy Meisel: From Oklahoma Roots to the Fighter Pilot Dream
02:53 – Becoming an F-16 Pilot: Academy Ambitions and Air Force Entry
06:05 – Medical Waivers, Hearing Loss, and the Long Road to the Cockpit
09:09 – Guard vs. Active Duty: Navigating Total Force Integration
12:01 – Inside UPT: Pilot Training Struggles, Strategies, and Realities
14:53 – Post-Training Path: Viper Assignment Surprises and Career Choices
21:23 – Rolling the Dice: Assignment Drops and Unexpected Orders
22:15 – Debunking Pilot Myths and Earning Respect in the F-16
24:28 – Living and Flying in Korea: Fighter Pilot Life at Kunsan and Osan
26:36 – Squadron Brotherhood: Social Life and Camaraderie Overseas
28:11 – Brush with Death: A Near-Fatal Icy Drive En Route to Interview
31:01 – The Incident: May 2023 Ejection Over Korea
35:07 – From Takeoff to Trouble: The Start of a Critical Sortie
39:12 – Spatial Disorientation and System Failures in Flight
43:49 – Ejecting to Survive: Split-Second Decisions at 3,000 Feet
47:37 – Impact and Survival: Crashing into a Rice Paddy in South Korea
50:03 – Aftermath of Ejection: Recovery, Rescue, and Reflection
57:46 – From Trauma to Purpose: Healing Through Hunting and Telling the Story

Full episode: https://youtu.be/bYhgRi8nvjM

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. 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

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

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 strikes, the death of the F-35 order, AI drones that headshot mannequins, and why Waymo might trigger Skynet.
Come for the jet talk. Stay for the tuna sandwich fight story.

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

00:00 Morning Routine and Technical Issues
03:00 Active Duty Challenges and Maintenance Issues
08:53 Pilot Hiring and Training Dynamics
11:57 Squadron Stories and Experiences
14:56 iPod Training and Air Combat Tactics
17:59 Technological Advances in Air Combat
21:08 Comparing Fighter Jets and Their Capabilities
24:59 Navigating Tactical Challenges
26:43 The Art of Flyovers and Air Shows
28:14 Memorable Flyover Experiences
30:34 Documentary Insights on Air Shows
32:41 The Reality of Training and Performance
34:54 Current Events and Military Operations
40:32 Escalating Global Tensions
44:42 The Rise of Drone Warfare
47:16 Innovations in Military Technology
50:17 Challenges in Modern Air Combat
53:55 The Future of the F-35 Program
01:00:01 The Complexities of Military Procurement

🎸 Can’t make it in person? Watch the concert LIVE right here!
We’re streaming the Dos Gringos Benefit Concert straight from FlyteCo Tower Brewery in Denver — and you’re invited to join the mission.

Dos Gringos — the iconic fighter pilot band — is playing one night only to help fund a high-powered mission: transporting a Thunderbird F-16 jet from Sheppard AFB, Texas to the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum.

Want to support the mission?
👉 Donate here: https://bit.ly/DosGringos_Denver
All contributions are tax-deductible through our 501(c)(3) partner.

🎯 This isn’t just a gig. It’s a 30,000-pound push to preserve airpower heritage.

Saturday, June 7, 2025
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Mountain Time)
Live from FlyteCo Tower – 3120 Uinta St, Denver, CO


🎶 Fighter pilots. Loud guitars. One epic night.
✈️ Let’s bring this jet home.

#DosGringos #ThunderbirdF16 #AfterburnPodcast #LiveMusic #FighterPilot #WingsOverTheRockies #FlyteCoTower



🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4916893483008000