The Fighter Pilot Podcast

06/01/2026

As a enthusiast, you're probably aware that U-2s landed on in the 1960s and 70s, but do you know why?

It was more than just to prove it could be done—there was a strategic reason CIA U-2s landed on carriers. Learn how and why, and about the one operational mission flown (to spy on a friend!), on this week's episode featuring the return of FPP founder, "Jell-O."

Now available on your favorite player and, yes, our YouTube channel (still) despite returning to an audio-only format.

During the , the U-2 gave the United States the a...

05/19/2026

Our new episode is out! Learn about the remarkable Maine Corps squadron VMF-221, who helped shift the tide in WWII.

05/07/2026

This is the sort of article one might expect on April 1st.
If true, who's ready to see the Tomcat fly once again?!

Three U.S. Navy F-14D Tomcats would be transferred to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission in Huntsville, Alabama, and one might be made flyable

05/05/2026

FPP213 - Top Gun. Tomcats. AI wingmen.

This week on the Fighter Pilot Podcast, I sit down with JJ “Yank” Cummings—former F-14 Tomcat and F/A-18 Hornet pilot turned autonomy leader at Shield AI.

We get into the realities of high-performance fighter aviation, the transition from manned to unmanned systems, and what the future fight looks like when humans team with AI. This isn’t theory—this is where it’s all heading.

And yeah… we might even talk about robot cats.

🎧 Link in bio
✈️ Turn in. Fight’s on.

04/20/2026

What does real leadership look like when everything falls apart?

In this episode of the Fighter Pilot Podcast, I sit down with Secretary Heather Wilson and Gen. Dave Goldfein to talk about their book Get Back Up—and the hard-earned lessons behind it.

We talk about:
– Why humility—not ego—is the foundation of trust
– How servant leadership shows up in the moments that matter most
- The need to fight for feedback and how to squint with your ears.

Get back up. That’s the standard.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

04/06/2026

There are aircraft… and then there are legends.

The AV-8B Harrier falls squarely into the latter.

With the sundown of the last U.S. Harrier squadron, we’re witnessing more than just the retirement of a platform—we’re closing a chapter on a way of fighting, a way of flying, and a culture that demanded precision, grit, and adaptability in ways few aircraft ever have.

Many people recognize the Harrier from True Lies—and fittingly, that very squadron is the one I had the privilege of interviewing.

In this latest episode of the Fighter Pilot Podcast, I sat down with the final Commanding Officer, Traper, and Executive Officer, Porky. We discuss what made the Harrier so challenging and so beloved, what it meant to lead during its final days, and how they think about legacy as the squadron stands down.

What struck me most wasn’t just the aircraft’s capability—but the caliber of people it attracted and forged.

That’s what endures.

If you care about aviation, leadership, or the human side of military service, I think you’ll really appreciate this one.

🎧 Available now wherever you listen to podcasts.

04/02/2026

Huge congratulations to the Artemis II crew on today’s successful launch, led by mission commander Reid Wiseman. In honor of this milestone, check out the rebroadcast of our Fighter Pilot Podcast conversation with Reid and hear from the man leading humanity’s return to deep space. Wherever you get your podcasts.

03/22/2026

New episode! Jell-O sits down with Cinco to discuss his new book, Unlocking the Last 20%—a conversation on purpose, leadership, discipline, balance, resilience, community, and what it really takes to reach your full potential. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on living with greater intention, fulfillment, and impact. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

03/06/2026

Episode 210 - 600knots Through Chicago: From F-22 Raptor to Reinvention

What does it take to command the F-22 Raptor at the edge of the envelope — and then pull the power to idle in a vertical tailslide over 100,000 people? — and...

02/20/2026

It's episode release Friday!

This week, Cinco's first non-Air Force guest, Rosie (a Marine), explains how has been and remains foundational to the fielding of the .

Check it out now on your favorite player and our YouTube channel...

As software has become the center of gravity for 5th generation fighters, simulation has become increasingly foundational to testing and fielding those aircr...