Ones Ready
A team of active duty Combat Control (CCT), Pararescue (PJ), and Special Reconnaissance (SR) leveraging our 69 years of special operations experience to make the next generation of operators smarter, faster and stronger than we ever were. We are the PREMIERE resource for all things Air Force Special Warfare. The Ones Ready Podcast is honest talk about what it is like to go from a know-nothing high school graduate to an elite Special Operator. We will cover important practices for success including physical training, nutrition, recovery, and mindset traits essential to any team. Join us in The Team Room to get all your questions answered!! With battle-tested operators from across USAF SPECWAR and far-reaching web of recruiters, subject matter experts, and friends, there are no questions we can’t answer- and if we can’t, we know exactly where to look. See you in The Team Room!Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the OnesReady team are those of the team and do not reflect the official policy or position of the DoD. Any content provided by our Podcast guests, bloggers, sponsors, or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign the DoD, any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone.
Ones Ready
Ep 533: From Thunderbird to Trailblazer: "Max Afterburner" on Purpose & Grit
Aaron sits down with Ryan “Max Afterburner” Bodenheimer—Strike Eagle pilot, Thunderbird #2, and one of the most grounded high-performers to ever touch a flight line. They dive into mentorship, resilience, building real confidence, finding purpose after the military, and why today’s warriors need challenge—not comfort. Max opens up about beating burnout, rediscovering joy in the job, and how the fighter-pilot mindset can lift anyone chasing excellence. If you're looking for clarity, motivation, and a push toward your best self, this is the one.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – The life-changing “You made the team” phone call
06:30 – Why community and culture matter more than rank
13:50 – First solo moments in the Strike Eagle
20:40 – Fighting burnout and finding purpose again
27:00 – Getting selected by being yourself—not a robot
34:20 – Call signs, morale, and bringing fun back to the force
42:55 – The American spirit and why challenge makes us better
55:10 – Veterans, identity, and building your next chapter
01:06:00 – Max’s best advice for anyone starting the climb
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