How a USAF Combat Pilot Built GTG Energy After Flying the F-22 Raptor

How a USAF Combat Pilot Built GTG Energy After Flying the F-22 Raptor

June 19, 2026 · 48 min

About this episode

Josh Gunderson discusses the impact of nicotine on performance and stress in high-intensity military environments.

Send us Fan Mail Nicotine can feel like a cheat code for focus, but the bill shows up later in stress, cravings, and a rising baseline you can’t outrun. We sit down with Josh Gunderson, a US Air Force combat pilot who has flown F-15s and F-22s, to talk about what “performance” really costs when your go-to tool is a chemical that spikes cortisol. From 12-hour single-seat missions to long hours studying tactics, Josh explains why nicotine became normal in high intensity communities and why beco...

More episodes of Vegas Circle

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Vegas Circle podcast page.