

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

Mar 18, 2025 • 52min
OFW-11: AI and ML in Future War
On Future War is a 12-part series exploring the evolving landscape of military strategy and defense technologies with a focus on the Indo-Pacific.On this penultimate episode, OFW series regulars Scott "Roger" Chafian and Mike "Pako" Benitez discuss how big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are collectively changing not only our lives on a near-daily basis, but influencing armed conflict. And yet, humans must remain in the loop—find out whyBrought to you by Authentic Media with the support of Cubic Defense.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Mar 13, 2025 • 29min
Winning on Day One - Modern Electronic Warfare (Sponsored)
As armed combat ever evolves and airborne electronic threats become increasingly sophisticated, leading defense companies continually strive to achieve superiority for the U.S. warfighter.And among those companies, L3Harris is the undisputed leader.L3Harris is developing “Viper Shield”—an advanced digital electronic warfare suite for the next-generation F-16. Former F-16 Wild Weasel pilot, Robert "Trip" Raymond explains L3Harris's extensive EW experience is culminating in a system that will be vital for success on day one of the next conflict—and every day after.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Mar 8, 2025 • 1h 35min
FPP201 - Flying the F-35B Lightning II Demo
The F-35B Lightning ll is an aircraft like no other—going from a short takeoff to a supersonic dash to hovering in midair, all in seconds. And in the hands of a proficient US Marine Corps pilot, not only does this ability ensure winning in combat, it is sure to amaze at airshows.On this episode, Marine Majors Craig "Brembo" Norris and Craig "Chuckles" Turner explain the STOVL F-35 variant and how they fly it at airshows to inspire the next generation of Marine Corps pilots.Check out the AirshowStuffVideos used in this interview here.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, CFP®, 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

Mar 3, 2025 • 38min
The Future of Air Warfare: Radars (Sponsored)
In modern air combat, weapons are only as effective as the sensors that inform them.Joe “Grip” Beissner, Director of Requirements and Capabilities for Radio Frequency Solutions at Raytheon, a business of RTX, joins us this week to discuss Raytheon's active electronically scanned array radars providing aircrew unmatched situational awareness, targeting precision, and survivability.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Feb 28, 2025 • 1h 32min
"Judge" the Royal... well, Everything
Most military members spend their careers enmeshed in their own branch with scant exposure to their sister services. Not Judge.Jim "Judge" Dresner, originally a Royal Marine has been trained by, operated in, and/or deployed with the Royal Navy and Air Force, the British Army, and even the U.S. Marine Corps during his illustrious career flying helicopters to jump jets. His is a story of interoperability, resilience, and modesty.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

Feb 23, 2025 • 22min
The Future of Air Warfare: Weapons (Sponsored)
Jon "Stormin" Norman, Vice President of Requirements & Capabilities at Raytheon, a business of RTX, joins us to discuss the cutting edge air-to-air and surface weapons and effectors the hard-working men and women of Raytheon produce for our warfighters.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Feb 18, 2025 • 56min
OFW-10: Technology Vulnerabilities
Dive into the world of microelectronics and their pivotal role in modern warfare. Explore the vulnerabilities tied to computer chip manufacturing, heavily reliant on just two countries in the Indo-Pacific. Discover how geopolitical tensions, especially with China, affect national security and supply chains. Learn about the importance of extreme ultraviolet lithography in enhancing chip technology and the historical parallels to supply chain challenges during WWII. The discussions illuminate the urgent need for innovation and global cooperation to secure vital technological resources.

Feb 8, 2025 • 58min
FPP200 - Kamikazes: the Terrifying Divine Wind of World War ll
In late 1944 when it was clear the war in the Pacific was lost, the Imperial Japanese Navy employed a frightening tactic to attack the US Navy: suicide attacks. Invoking the "divine wind" that twice turned back marauding Mongrols, such attacks were called kamikaze.On this episode, New York City-based author Gary Santos explains the scourge of kamikaze attacks during World War ll, including an attack on the USS Randolph--the aircraft carrier his father Eugene served on. Gary explains the mindset and techniques used by Japanese pilots to commit aerial hari-kari.Check out Gary's book, A Grand Pause chronicling a single day in 1945 between battling U.S. and Japanese navies here.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

Jan 28, 2025 • 1h 55min
Flight Testing the T-7A Red Hawk
The T-38 has been an exceptional tactical trainer for six decades responsible for qualifying thousands of pilots to fly dozens of platforms. But with the advent of 5th generation fighters, a replacement for the beloved Talon is long overdue.On this episode, Jonathan "Gremlin" Aronoff, of the U.S. Air Force's 419 Flight Test Squadron at Edwards AFB, California, describes the rigorous testing and development needed to introduce a new trainer more than a half century since the last time a tactical jet trainer debuted.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

Jan 18, 2025 • 1h 20min
OFW-9: Long-Range Contested Logistics
Explore the critical role of long-range logistics in modern warfare, focusing on vulnerabilities in shipping lanes. Delve into contested logistics in the Indo-Pacific and the challenges faced by U.S. forces in potential conflicts. Discover the evolution of U.S. Naval logistics and the impact of aging fleets. Learn about strategic choke points and the implications of contemporary threats. The discussion highlights the importance of revitalizing the merchant marine for national security and addresses the maritime complexities introduced by geopolitical tensions.