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The Afterburn Podcast

The Afterburn Podcast

By: John "Rain" Waters
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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/John "Rain" Waters Social Sciences
Episodes
  • #144 Why the 2026 MH370 NEW Search is Different: New Tech & The Avionics Bay Theory | Jeff Wise
    Jan 3 2026

    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 documentaries and writing the definitive books on this mystery.

    But today, we’re looking at this from the perspective of the cockpit. In this episode, Jeff joins John "Rain" Waters, a current 777 pilot and former Air Force fighter pilot. We dive into the "impossible" shutdowns of the transponder and ADS-B, the vulnerability of the E/E (electronics) bay hatch in the cabin floor, and the precision required to fly through radar shadows undetected.

    Jeff breaks down his theory on the Kazakhstan route, while we analyze the latest 2026 search efforts by Ocean Infinity to finally locate the wreckage. This isn’t just about theories; it’s about the technical reality of what it takes to "disappear" a Boeing 777.

    Jeff's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCKYproxqiM217g8f4LFwLzQ

    Jeff's website: https://www.jeffwise.net/

    🛫 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

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

    Fighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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    1 hr and 37 mins
  • #143 Fighter Pilot's Harrowing Dogfight: Aircraft on Fire, Enemy Closing In : Col Joe Peterburs
    Dec 24 2025

    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 orchestrate a daring escape. After linking up with Russian forces, he fought alongside them until V.E. Day. His distinguished career continued through the Korean and Vietnam Wars, cementing his legacy as a true hero of the Greatest Generation.

    Recently celebrated at his 100th birthday, Col. Peterburs' story is one of courage, resilience, and unwavering service to his country. In 1945, Lt. Col. Joe Peterburs flew his final mission over Europe. His wingman, Lt. Kenneth Pettit, never made it home. Eighty years later, Joe is returning to England to honor Kenneth and the men of the 20th Fighter Group with a permanent memorial at their former base. This Afterburn episode tells their story of courage, loss, and brotherhood and a promise that even time can’t erase.

    Their mission isn’t over. Listen now and help carry it forward: gofund.me/57e9ed76

    🛫 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

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

    Fighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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    1 hr and 44 mins
  • Bro Chat 20 - "Brakes as Required"
    Dec 6 2025

    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 the next generation of Vipers, Eagles, and F-35 drivers. It’s an honest look at pilot culture, jet upgrades, leadership quirks, and the everyday frustrations (and humor) of military aviation today. Whether you're trying to get hired, in UPT, or just love fighter pilot talk, this episode brings real insight straight from inside the squadron

    🛫 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

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

    Fighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 24 mins
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