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

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 becoming a dad forced a hard reset on health, energy, and longevity. That reset turned into GTG Energy, a nicotine-free pouch built to fit the same real-world habit pattern without chasing a buzz. We dig into what the pouches feel like, how nootropics and adaptogens can support mental clarity and stress resilience, and why “smooth awareness” beats caffeine jitters. Josh also walks us through formulation thinking, dosing for everyday use, and the practical steps he took to prioritize safety, including physician reviews and manufacturing in a facility certified for quality standards. We also zoom out into service and leadership: the different ways to serve in the military, what fighter pilot training and evaluation actually looks like, and why veteran mindset translates so well to entrepreneurship. We close with a blunt take on balance, a simple definition of priority, and a challenge to invest in the next generation with stories that empower instead of divide. If you’re trying to quit nicotine, improve focus, or build a healthier performance routine, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review.