The Afterburn Podcast

John "Rain" Waters

Booking Overview

This is an interview-driven military aviation podcast focused on firsthand stories from fighter pilots, commanders, and other personnel involved in combat missions and major operations. Credible pitches include decorated military aviators, veteran commanders, defense professionals, and experts with direct operational experience; booking is likely difficult because the show favors highly specialized guests with firsthand access to sensitive missions.

Metrics

Episodes: 294

Frequency: Irregular

Rating: 4.9/5.0

Estimated listeners: 10k-100k

Gender skew: Male

Location: USA

YouTube: 67.3k subscribers

Instagram: 12.0k followers

Contact Information

Publicly listed emails

rain@theafterburnpodcast.com

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Host

John "Rain" Waters - Host of The Afterburn Podcast, covering firsthand stories about military aviation, combat missions, aircraft, and the personnel who operate and support them.

Booking Intelligence

Booking Requirements

high

Typical Credentials:

Current or former military aviators, squadron or wing commanders, defense personnel, and veterans with direct firsthand experience in combat missions, military aviation, aircraft operations, or major deployments.

Required Achievements:

Command of military squadrons or wings, Combat flight experience, Participation in major military operations, Specialized expertise in fighter aircraft, weapons systems, or air operations

Recent Guest Discussions

Gary "Wolfman" Wolf - Being Struck By An Sa-16 Surface-to-air Missile During A Close Air Support Mission, Aircraft Damage, Escort, And Rescue Procedures.

Kevin Hicok - Commanding The F-16 Wild Weasels During Operation Midnight Hammer, Combat Operations Over Yemen, Logistics, And Leading A Major Strike Deployment.

Croghan - Planning The F-16 Portion Of Operation Midnight Hammer, Adapting Aircraft And Weapons For The Mission, And Flying Into Iranian Airspace.

Trembly - Planning And Executing The F-16 Suppression-of-enemy-air-defenses Mission During Operation Midnight Hammer, Counter-drone Operations, And Combat Over Iran.

Recent Topics

Military, Military Aviation, Fighter Pilots, Air Combat, Combat Operations

Episodes

Here's the recent few episodes on

The Afterburn Podcast

His Apache Was Hit Twice Over Jalalabad. He Went Back Up | Brad Young

September 28, 2026

Brad Young spent six years in the Air Force as a Korean linguist, including time at the National Security Agency in Hawaii, before an inter-service transfer put him in Army warrant officer flight school. He flew the AH-64D and then the AH-64E for just shy of 17 years across four combat deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, and retired in 2025 out of 5-17 Air Cavalry in Korea. His unit at Fort Lewis was the first to receive and combat deploy the Echo model.Brad's book "Full Blooded Apach...

Gary "Wolfman" Wolf | A-10 Fighter Pilot

September 12, 2026

During a close air support mission over Baghdad on 8 April 2003, Maj Gary "Wolfman" Wolf and his A-10 Warthog were struck by an SA-16 MANPADS while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.Battle Creek Bourbon: https://shop.winglorespirits.com/pages/commemorativeProgram and partnership inquiries: https://theafterburnpodcast.com/contact/ Have a story? Program and partnership inquiries: https://theafterburnpodcast.com/contact/ 🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/...

A-10 Hit over Baghdad: The Story of 8 April 2003

September 10, 2026

During a close air support mission over Baghdad on 8 April 2003, Maj Gary "Wolfman" Wolf and his A-10 Warthog were struck by an SA-16 MANPADS while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.Battle Creek Bourbon: https://shop.winglorespirits.com/pages/commemorative0:00 Intro "Lead's Been Hit"1:29 The Close Air Support Mission6:10 Hit by an SA-1612:44 Jettison Everything15:33 Escort and Rescue Join Up16:41 Gear Down18:55 Battle Creek Bourbon with Wing Lore Spirits23:44 Mitchell Wolf on Tail Number 258...

Publicly listed emails

rain@theafterburnpodcast.com

Looking for the right person? Join Podseeker to find direct host and producer contacts and manage your podcast outreach.

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