

Fighter Pilot Podcast
E. Vincent "Jell-O" Aiello, Retired U.S. Navy Fighter Pilot
The Fighter Pilot Podcast explores the fascinating world of air combat: the aircraft, the weapons systems, and most importantly—the people.Episodes typically feature guests who help explain various military aviation-themed topics, such as how ejection seats work or what it's like to fly on and off nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.If you love the roar of a high-speed flyby or are enamored by the poise and confidence of the brave men and women who fly, fix, and fight these aircraft, then this show is for you!For advertising, partnerships or other business opportunities, please contact: chris.wilson@monster.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 5, 2025 • 32min
The Merge-4: Flight Lead and Wingman
Explore the vital partnership between flight lead and wingman in military operations, emphasizing their teamwork and safety. Reflect on the life of Jeremy Shug Wise, a dedicated pilot lost in a tragic accident. Dive into the intricacies of military aviation training, revealing the intense conditions aviators endure. Experience the chaos of a midair collision and the emotional aftermath, highlighting the resilience and leadership challenges faced in the wake of tragedy.

Jul 29, 2025 • 49min
The Merge-3: Impact
In this riveting discussion, guest Anthony Roy, an adversary pilot with the call sign Sloppy, describes the heart-stopping events of a mid-air collision on June 13, 2008. He shares insights into flight day preparations, emphasizing the importance of safety procedures. Listeners will be captivated by accounts of intense aerial challenges, the chaos of ejection, and the emotional aftermath of surviving a life-threatening incident. Roy's vivid storytelling brings the high-stakes world of naval aviation to life, blending adrenaline with valuable lessons.

Jul 22, 2025 • 26min
The Merge-2: Going to NAS Fallon
Tony Roy, a retired Navy captain with two decades of experience flying the F-18, F-16, and F-5, shares his incredible journey at NAS Fallon. He recounts the vital role of Fallon in fighter pilot training, the camaraderie formed during intense exercises, and the unique characteristics of the F-5, likening its simplicity to that of a trusty car. The discussion also highlights personal flight stories, mentorship, and the emotional impact of a tragic mid-air collision that changed lives forever.

Jul 15, 2025 • 18min
The Merge-1: Naval Aviation in the early 2000s
Fitz Lee, a retired U.S. Navy Captain with the call sign Dud, shares gripping insights into naval aviation in 2008. He recounts a tragic mid-air collision during a training flight that changed lives forever. Lee discusses the evolution from the iconic F-14 Tomcat to the F-18 Super Hornet, and sheds light on the intense training environments at Fallon. He also reveals the crucial role of Top Gun in pilot preparedness and the challenges faced in combat operations, painting a vivid picture of the stakes in aerial warfare.

Jul 13, 2025 • 26min
The Future of Air Warfare: Offensive Electronic Attack (Sponsored)
Benjamin "Chuck" Angus, Director of Business Development in Naval Power at Raytheon, sheds light on the evolving battlefield of electronic warfare. He discusses how controlling the electromagnetic spectrum is vital for modern combat, emphasizing the impact of offensive electronic attacks. Angus shares insights into the Next Generation Jammer, a cutting-edge system designed to disrupt enemy communications and air-defense mechanisms. The conversation also delves into the collaboration between the U.S. Navy and industry to innovate around jamming capabilities, enhancing military effectiveness.

Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 57min
Boom Supersonic: Flight Testing the XB-1
In the early 2000s, Tesla upended the automotive industry with its ground-breaking electric vehicles and recharging network. Twenty years later, Boom Supersonic is attempting to do the same in the airline industry—will it work?On this episode, Tristan Brandenberg and Nick Sheryka join guest host Ken Katz to discuss Boom Supersonic's ambitious initiative to return supersonic airline travel, including creating all-new aircraft, engines, and supporting network. That begins with flight testing the one-off XB-1 technology demonstrator to prove supersonic overland travel can be nonintrusive to the underlying populace.For financial planning questions or assistance, contact Zach Mindel at zmindel@forumfinancial.com, (630) 474-3599, or visit https://www.forumfinancial.com/profile/zachary-mindel/Zach Mindel is a Financial Advisor with Forum Financial Management, a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Neither specialized services nor adherence to the fiduciary standard of conduct should be interpreted as a guarantee of specific outcomes. The success and effectiveness of planning services depend on various factors, including but not limited to the timing and manner of implementation, collaboration with the client and their other professionals, and market conditions. Military service benefits may have eligibility requirements. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investing comes with risk, including risk of loss. For more information, visit our website at www.forumfinancial.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Jun 30, 2025 • 1h 33min
U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation (Rebroadcast)
June 14, 2025, marks the U.S. Army's 250th birthdayTo celebrate, the entire month is dedicated to army aviation, concluding with this rebroadcast of episode 160 exploring the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment with U.S. Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel Trey Williams and retired U.S. Army CW5 Stan Wood.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 1min
U.S. Army AH-64 Apache (Rebroadcast)
June 14, 2025, marks the U.S. Army's 250th birthdayTo celebrate, the entire month is dedicated to army aviation, continuing with this rebroadcast of episode 090 exploring this tank-busting, Cold War-era attack helicopter with CWO4 Tim "Dorothy" Settle.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Jun 16, 2025 • 1h 11min
U.S. Army OH-58 Kiowa (Rebroadcast)
June 14, 2025, marks the U.S. Army's 250th birthdayTo celebrate, the entire month is dedicated to army aviation, continuing with this rebroadcast of episode 089 exploring the helicopter that is small in stature but huge in capability and adored by the ground forces it defends.Learn more about our guest, Ryan Robicheaux's Scout's Out project here.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Jun 9, 2025 • 52min
U.S. Army Flight School (Rebroadcast)
June 14, 2025, marks the U.S. Army's 250th birthday.To celebrate, the entire month is dedicated to army aviation, continuing with this rebroadcast of episode 088 covering the U.S. Army's flight school syllabus, aircraft, and training locations with CWO2 Nicholas Allen.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations