We talk about sports! Cover art photo provided by Jeremy Galliani on Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/@jeremyforlife
…
continue reading
Welcome to Defense Mavericks, the podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government. Join us as we dive into authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds, offering a fresh perspective on how to gain an unfair advantage through the adoption of new, emerging technology. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge, education, and best practices you need to shorten the learning curve toward government transformation. CDAO: https://www.ai ...
…
continue reading
1
Human-Centric Autonomy for Defense with Scott Sanders
30:52
30:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:52
This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Scott Sanders, Chief Growth Officer of Forterra, to talk about the advancements and challenges of integrating autonomous systems in defense and industrial sectors. Scott shares his insights on the deployment of full stack and ground autonomy, balancing human and machine roles, and accounting for the diverse te…
…
continue reading
1
Data Management & AI Readiness in Intelligence with Lori Wade
31:02
31:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:02
This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Lori Wade, Chief Data Officer for the Intelligence Community, to talk about the pivotal role of quality data in driving AI and emerging technologies in the IC. Lori shares her insights on data interoperability, public-private collaboration, and the complexities of managing data across the 18 Intelligence Commu…
…
continue reading
1
Building Cybersecurity Ecosystems in the DoD with Chris Hughes
29:34
29:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:34
This week, Ryan Connell sits down with cybersecurity expert Chris Hughes, CEO of Aquia, a veteran-owned cloud and cybersecurity digital services firm. Chris brings two decades of experience from the federal IT space, sharing insights on everything from AI adoption in the government to the importance of continuous ATO. Chris dives into the challenge…
…
continue reading
1
Navigating Leadership & Contracting Success with Maj. Gen. Alice Treviño
33:38
33:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:38
This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Maj. Gen. Alice Treviño, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Contracting in the Department of the Air Force, as she shares insights from her 32-year career. They explore the challenges of contracting, her leadership philosophy, and the evolution of AI tools within the Air Force. Major General Treviño emphasizes the…
…
continue reading
1
AI Takes the Mic: Ryan Experiments with Google’s NotebookLM
10:54
10:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:54
This week, Ryan Connell experiments with Google’s cutting-edge AI tool, NotebookLM. Ryan challenges the AI to generate a podcast episode based on the Tradewinds Solution Marketplace Customer Handbook, which dives into the DoD’s efforts to streamline the acquisition of advanced technologies. Listen as AI characters Andy and Ethel discuss the handboo…
…
continue reading
1
How to Balance Execution and Innovation with Steve Blank
37:40
37:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:40
This week, Ryan Connell sits down with the legendary Steve Blank, adjunct professor at Stanford and co-founder of the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, to discuss the need for disruptive innovation and execution in the DoD. Steve shares his insights on the importance of adopting new methodologies, creating a culture that support…
…
continue reading
1
Revolutionizing Risk Assessment in Defense with Alex Martin
40:06
40:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:06
This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Alex Martin, the CEO and co-founder of Clearspeed, to discuss how they are using AI-enabled voice analytics to revolutionize risk assessment in defense. Alex shares his personal journey from the Marine Corps to tech entrepreneur and how he’s aiming to solve the age-old problem of vetting individuals efficientl…
…
continue reading
1
Decoding Agile Acquisition Frameworks with Jonathan Mostowski
35:25
35:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:25
This week, Ryan Connell chats with Jonathan Mostowski, author, public speaker, and president of Agile Acquisitions LLC, about the truth behind “hacking” bureaucracy in government contracting, the development and impact of agile acquisition frameworks, and his career journey from a contracting officer to an innovative leader in the field. Jonathan s…
…
continue reading
1
The Role of AI in 5G Technology with Dr. Tom Rondeau
31:59
31:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:59
This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Dr. Tom Rondeau, Principal Director of FutureG, to discuss the complexities and innovations behind wireless communications, from the defense applications of 5G to the groundbreaking potential of 6G. Tom shares his insights on the role of AI in wireless technology, the importance and challenges of interoperabil…
…
continue reading
1
Mission Acceleration and Ingenuity in Defense with Pete Newell
39:13
39:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:13
This week, Ryan Connell discusses entrepreneurial approaches to problem-solving in defense with Pete Newell, 32-year Army veteran turned entrepreneur, educator, investor, and co-founder and CEO of BMNT. Pete dives into the inception and impact of the Hacking for Defense program and shares his insights on the importance of rapid adaptation and how i…
…
continue reading
1
Rapid Acquisitions and Agile Budgeting with John Janek
31:45
31:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:45
This week, Ryan Connell is joined by John Janek, Chief Technologist at Dev Technology Group, to talk about the critical elements of rapid acquisitions and agile budgeting in government. John shares his insights on the evolving role of technology in hiring and organizational improvements, the importance of community, the need for cross-functional co…
…
continue reading
1
Disrupting Norms & Breaking Rules in Federal Acquisition with Steve Barva
28:49
28:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:49
This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Steve Barva, federal acquisition consultant, to discuss the importance of breaking rules and cutting through red tape in the DoD. Steve shares his insights on competition in contracting, innovative solicitation practices, and the value of listening to fresh ideas from junior team members. He dives into numerou…
…
continue reading
1
Strategies for Crossing the Valley of Death with Russ Long
30:53
30:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:53
This week, Ryan Connell is joined by Russ Long, founder and CEO of Long Capture, to talk about the different pathways to success a defense startup can take in the DoD. Russ shares his journey from his former Air Force contracting days to now helping tech startups bridge the gap to military adoption (a.k.a. surviving the Valley of Death.) They dive …
…
continue reading
1
Developing Innovation Skills with Project Mercury’s Dr. W. Ethan Eagle & Julie Janson
45:21
45:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:21
This week, Ryan Connell is joined by Dr. W. Ethan Eagle and Lieutenant Colonel Julie “Pistol” Janson to discuss the transformative impact of Project Mercury on military innovation. Together, they dive into Project Mercury’s goal of building a culture of innovation, the strategic focus on problem-solving, and the importance of learning by doing. Eth…
…
continue reading
1
Creating Agile Talent Ecosystems for DoD with Mike McGinley
36:02
36:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:02
This week, Ryan is joined by Mike McGinley, director of GigEagle, mobilization assistant to the commander of the Air Force Lifecycle Management Center, and federal account executive at Google, to talk all things talent in the DoD. Mike shares his insights on the flexibility of reservists' service, the operational impact of overcoming bureaucracy an…
…
continue reading
1
Overcoming Bureaucracy Burnout with Hannah Hunt
31:13
31:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:13
This week, Ryan is joined by Hannah Hunt, Distinguished Technical Director at MetroStar, to talk about the challenges of navigating defense bureaucracy and how she’s overcome the inevitable burnout of government work. Hannah dives into lesson learned from Kessel Run and Army Software Factory and the leap of faith she took into the industry world wi…
…
continue reading
1
Reframing Risk & Innovation in Defense with Larsen Jensen
32:58
32:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:58
This week, Ryan is joined by Larsen Jensen, two-time Olympian, former Navy SEAL, and founder of Harpoon Ventures, to explore the rapidly-changing landscape of defense tech investing. Larsen dives into the necessity of reframing risk, the resurgence of American entrepreneurship, and the key to succeeding as a defense startup. Tune in for a thought-p…
…
continue reading
1
The Role of AI in Modern DoD Contracting with Mike Clark
37:18
37:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:18
This week, Ryan is joined by Mike Clark, Branch Chief at Kill Chain Integration Branch of the Air Force Special Programs Division, to discuss the nuanced world of contracting and artificial intelligence within the DoD. He shares his insights on fostering relationships, maintaining integrity in acquisition, and the critical thinking required to navi…
…
continue reading
We have a special announcement this week! Meet our new Defense Mavericks host, Ryan Connell. Bonnie and Ryan chat about Bonnie’s departure from the show and what you can expect going forward. Tune in for a short, fun listen in this official hand-off episode! TIMESTAMPS: (0:30) Why Bonnie is leaving (1:12) Ryan's vision for the podcast (2:42) Who is…
…
continue reading
1
SchoolHouse Panel: Overcoming Defense Barriers to Accelerate Innovation
51:20
51:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:20
This week, we’re sharing a panel discussion from SchoolHouse where Bonnie joined Gene Ebersole from BVVC, Mike McGuire from SpaceX, and Lisa Sanders from Special Operations Command to talk about defense innovation. Together, they dive into the challenges of transitioning defense projects, overcoming bureaucratic and cultural barriers within the DoD…
…
continue reading
1
AI Spotlight: Use Cases in the Department of Defense
31:57
31:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:57
This week, Bonnie joins the GovExec’s AI Spotlight Series hosted by George Jackson for a roundtable discussion on the DoD’s role in AI with Tyler Sweatt from Second Front Systems, Jason Preisser from DARPA, and Alexis Bonnell from AFRL. Together, they explore the transformative potential of AI, focusing on AI adoption, process innovation, and the c…
…
continue reading
1
The Hard Truths Behind Innovation in the DoD with Brian Morrison
34:05
34:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:05
This week, Bonnie sits down with Brian Morrison, retired Chief Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force Reserve, for a candid conversation on innovation in the DoD. Brian dives into his unique (and some might say “weird”) journey from active duty to innovation leader and the keys behind translating ideas into operational success on the battle…
…
continue reading
1
How to Speed Up Tech Transition Pathways with Casey Perley
31:40
31:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:40
This week, Bonnie sits down with Casey Perley, Director of Army Applications Lab, to talk about how to accelerate tech transfer and innovation within the military. Casey shares her insights on the challenges and opportunities in transitioning commercial technologies to benefit our soldiers. From the importance of collaboration and cross-functional …
…
continue reading
1
Finding Success in Defense as a Dual-Use Startup with Emma Bates
39:16
39:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:16
This week, Bonnie sits down with Emma Bates, founder of PaaS tool Cachai and a veteran DoD strategy thinker, live from South by Southwest 2024. Emma shares her journey from a DIU fellow to founding Cachai, driven by her mission to tackle complex coordination challenges in computer systems for national defense. They dive into the significance of hum…
…
continue reading
1
The Future of Defense Acquisition with Will Roper
38:25
38:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:25
This week, Bonnie is joined by Will Roper, CEO of Istari and former Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, to talk about the future of military technology and innovation. Will shares his journey from theoretical physicist to defense acquisition leader and what it took to drive innovation along the way. He d…
…
continue reading
1
Enabling Collaboration in the Defense Sector with Brennan Townley
32:51
32:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:51
This week, Bonnie is joined by Brennan Townley, CEO of Collaboration.AI to dive into the world of government contracting, innovative teamwork, and the impact of technology in defense collaboration. Brennan shares his unexpected journey into the DoD, highlighting the nuances of navigating government contracts and the power of connecting the right pe…
…
continue reading
1
Optimizing Human Performance in Combat with Allison Brager
33:27
33:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:27
This week, Bonnie is joined by Allison Brager, U.S. Army neurobiologist, sleep expert, CrossFit athlete, aspiring astronaut, and Deputy Chief Science Officer for the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center to talk about how to optimize human performance in combat. Allison dives into the importance of leveraging science and technology to push human l…
…
continue reading
1
The Power of Continuous Software Delivery in Defense with Bryon Kroger
37:03
37:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:03
This week, Bonnie is joined by Bryon Kroger, founder and CEO of Rise8, about the pivotal role of software in government and military operations. Bryon shares his insights on the challenges of bridging the gap between acquisitions and operations, the importance of continuous software delivery, and the ethos of fostering a culture of outcomes over ou…
…
continue reading
1
Task Force Lima's Mission and Challenges with Captain Manuel Xavier Lugo
31:43
31:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:43
This week, Bonnie is joined by fellow CDAO leader Captain Manuel Xavier Lugo, Head of AI Initiatives and Capability Delivery and Task Force Lima Commander at OSD CDAO, to discuss the Task Force Lima mission, its challenges, and their 18-month race to AI mastery. Captain Lugo dives into the reality of AI integration, the pursuit of technological mat…
…
continue reading
1
Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Delivery with Jennifer Pahlka
34:02
34:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:02
This week, Bonnie is joined by special guest Jennifer Pahlka, author of "Recoding America: Why Government is Failing in the Digital Age and How We Can Do Better”, to talk through some of the most pressing issues facing public servants today. Jennifer dives into the need to shift from project management to product management, the power of human-cent…
…
continue reading
1
Integrating Technology & Innovation at U.S. Central Command with Schuyler Moore
28:17
28:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:17
This week, Bonnie sits down with Schuyler Moore, Chief Technology Officer for U.S. Central Command, to discuss the process of integrating technology into critical military operations and her experience pioneering the role of CTO at CENTCOM. Schuyler shares her insights on the importance of fostering a culture of innovation from the top down, the cr…
…
continue reading
1
Fostering Transformative Thinking in Defense with Lt. Gen. Michael Groen (Ret.)
29:58
29:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:58
This week, Bonnie is joined by Lieutenant General Michael Groen (Ret.), former director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, to talk about the importance of transformative thinking in the DoD. General Groen shares his insights on transforming military capabilities with AI, the significance of a communal drive for change, and the need for an…
…
continue reading
1
Nontraditional Procurement Methods in Defense with Stephanie Wilson
28:19
28:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:19
Today’s bonus episode features listener favorite and contracting powerhouse, Stephanie Wilson, on the Doing Tech Better in Government podcast. Stephanie chats with host, Brian Fox, about her experience with non-traditional procurement methods, combating legacy tech, and getting familiar with the unfamiliar. From AI in procurement to culture change …
…
continue reading
1
Overcoming Bureaucracy in Defense Innovation with Jon Gruen
29:32
29:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:32
This week, Bonnie is joined by Jon Gruen, CEO of Fortem Technologies and former Navy SEAL, to discuss counter-drone strategies and the challenges of fostering innovation in the defense space. Jon shares his insights on the intricacies of operating in the DoD, the capital-intensive nature of defense technology development, and the importance of educ…
…
continue reading
1
Accelerating AI Adoption with Ramsay Brown
38:17
38:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:17
This week, Bonnie sits down with Ramsay Brown, CEO of Mission Control AI, at DoD Advantage 2024 to talk about how to keep up with the rapid advancements in AI. Ramsay dives into the impact of AI on industries and personal lives, the looming need for responsible AI governance, and the challenges that organizations face when adopting these technologi…
…
continue reading
1
How Tradewinds is Shaping the Future of Defense Contracting with Bonnie Evangelista
36:32
36:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:32
This week, our very own Bonnie Evangelista explores the intricacies of AI literacy within the defense sector in this special recast of her presentation at the AI Literacy Conference. Get an in-depth look at how evolving contracting mechanisms like BAAs and CSOs are reshaping the way the military engages with cutting-edge AI technologies, and learn …
…
continue reading
1
Instilling AI Readiness Across Your Teams with Capt. Jonathan Haase
30:24
30:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:24
This week, Bonnie is joined by Captain Jonathan Haase, program manager at PMS 408 in NAVSEA, to talk about the importance of AI readiness in the defense industry. Jon shares his insights on how teams can use AI to enhance work processes, facilitate more meaningful face-to-face interactions, and build stronger team relationships. He teaches us to em…
…
continue reading
1
Building a Strong Data Ecosystem with Shubhi Mishra
31:47
31:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:47
This week, Bonnie is joined by Shubhi Mishra, founder and CEO of Raft, to talk about the importance of building strong data ecosystems in the DoD. She shares her insights on prioritizing users versus buyers, taking an unstructured approach to data intake, and why defense tech startups need to rethink the “valley of death” in order to survive it. Tu…
…
continue reading
1
Empowering Soldier Innovation in the Digital Age with LTG Chris Donahue
28:24
28:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:24
This week, Bonnie is joined by none other than Lieutenant General Chris Donahue, Commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps, to discuss innovation, AI ethics, and leadership in military operations. He shares his insights on empowering soldiers through collective experimentation, bridging generational tech gaps, and developing and sustaining AI-driven sy…
…
continue reading
1
The Evolution of Defense Tech with Ben Van Roo
31:28
31:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:28
This week, Bonnie is joined by Ben Van Roo, CEO and co-founder of Yurts AI, to discuss the rapid evolution of defense tech in the last decade. He shares his insights on the dynamic interplay between defense initiatives and the commercial tech landscape, the pitfalls of dual-use companies, and the fine line between oversaturation and innovation in A…
…
continue reading
1
Creating a Culture of Trust and Transparency (Bonnie’s Interview on Instill Culture Lab)
30:01
30:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:01
This week, Bonnie Evangelista joins Dan Kasper on the Instill Culture Lab video series to dive into the concept of culture and building high-performance teams. With Dan's expertise from his Navy Special Operations days and Bonnie’s experience leading teams in the DoD, they peel back the layers on the emotional impact of leadership, the significance…
…
continue reading
1
How to Increase Experimentation in the DoD with Victor “SALSA” Lopez
34:53
34:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:53
This week, Bonnie is joined by Major Victor “SALSA” Lopez, Chief of Autonomy Operations for AFWERX, to discuss how to push past bureaucracy to enable rapid experimentation in the DoD. He shares his insights on leading through innovation, creating a team culture built on psychological safety, speeding up software implementation, and cutting through …
…
continue reading
1
Balancing AI Automation, Privacy, and Federal Compliance with Igor Jablokov
34:39
34:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:39
This week, Bonnie sits down with Igor Jablokov, CEO and founder of Pryon, to discuss the balancing act that AI-driven companies currently face when it comes to automation, privacy, and federal compliance. Igor breaks down the President’s recent Executive Order on AI safety as well as how to approach AI risk management, build trust through attributi…
…
continue reading
1
Navigating Defense Contract Pricing with Ryan Connell
34:06
34:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:06
This week, Bonnie is joined by Ryan Connell from the Defense Contract Management Agency, to dissect the nuanced world of pricing for government contracts in his personal capacity. From Other Transaction (OT) pricing strategies to understanding the critical balance between cost and value, Ryan dives into the evolving landscape of defense procurement…
…
continue reading
1
Bridging the Human-Tech Divide with Alexis Bonnell
36:06
36:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:06
This week, Bonnie is joined by a true powerhouse of tech and humanity – Alexis Bonnell, CIO and Director of Digital Capabilities Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory. With a rich background rfrom war zones to Silicon Valley, Alexis unpacks the challenges and opportunities of being at the forefront of change. She shares her insights on u…
…
continue reading
1
Breaking Down SBIR & STTR Programs with Kristina Botelho
35:24
35:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:24
This week, Bonnie is joined by Kristina Botelho, an esteemed contracting and agreements officer for the Air Force, to discuss the ins and outs of SBIR and STTR programs. With nearly 15 years as a contracting officer, Kristina has become a trailblazing figure known for challenging norms and injecting fresh perspectives into contracting approaches. K…
…
continue reading
1
Minimizing Red Tape Fatigue (Bonnie’s Interview on All Quiet on the Second Front)
20:43
20:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:43
In this bonus episode, Bonnie Evangelista joins Tyler Sweatt on the All Quiet on the Second Front podcast to discuss how Tradewinds and the CDAO are transforming conventional procurement models and streamlining the dealmaking process to minimize red tape fatigue. Bonnie dives into the vision behind the game-changing Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace…
…
continue reading
1
Revolutionizing Cyber Defense Strategies with Mike Weigand
33:18
33:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:18
This week, Bonnie Evangelista dives into the cutting-edge world of defense cybersecurity with co-founder and Chief Growth Officer of Shift5, Mike Weigand. As a former army officer turned cybersecurity pioneer, Mike has taken the helm at Shift5 to revolutionize real-time cyber monitoring solutions across various fleets, including manned aircraft and…
…
continue reading
1
Implementing Digital Twins Across the DoD with John Wargo & Jason Robinson
35:07
35:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:07
This week, Bonnie Evangelista is joined by John Wargo, CTO, and Jason Robinson, Solutions Architect, from Beast Code for a deep dive into the world of digital twins, cybersecurity, and the unique challenges of innovating within the Department of Defense. John and Jason break down the challenges and successes in pushing the envelope within the DoD, …
…
continue reading
1
Accelerating and Scaling Defense Acquisition with Sharothi Pikar
43:15
43:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:15
This week, defense acquisition powerhouse Sharothi Pikar joins Bonnie Evangelista for a deep dive into the world of defense acquisition. As the Deputy CDAO for Acquisition at the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, Sharothi brings a wealth of knowledge from her origins as an army civilian computer engineer to her pivotal role at Cyber…
…
continue reading