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Defense Mavericks

Ryan Connell | Tradewinds × CDAO

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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 ...
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One of the biggest challenges in collecting cybersecurity metrics is scoping down objectives and determining what kinds of data to gather. In this podcast from the Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute (SEI), Bill Nichols, who leads the SEI’s Software Engineering Measurements and Analysis Group, discusses the importance of cyber…
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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…
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To make secure software by design a reality, engineers must intentionally build security throughout the software development lifecycle. In this podcast from the Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute (SEI), Timothy A. Chick, technical manager of the Applied Systems Group in the SEI’s CERT Division, discusses building, designing, …
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Harmful biases in large language models (LLMs) make AI less trustworthy and secure. Auditing for biases can help identify potential solutions and develop better guardrails to make AI safer. In this podcast from the Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute (SEI), Katie Robinson and Violet Turri, researchers in the SEI’s AI Division,…
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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…
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In the wake of widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in critical infrastructure, education, government, and national security entities, adversaries are working to disrupt these systems and attack AI-enabled assets. With nearly four decades in vulnerability management, the Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute (SEI)…
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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…
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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…
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The exposed and public nature of application programming interfaces (APIs) come with risks including the increased network attack surface. Zero trust principles are helpful for mitigating these risks and making APIs more secure. In this podcast from the Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute (SEI), McKinley Sconiers-Hasan, a solu…
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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…
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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…
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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 …
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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…
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How can we effectively use large language models (LLMs) for cybersecurity tasks? In this Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute podcast, Jeff Gennari and Sam Perl discuss applications for LLMs in cybersecurity, potential challenges, and recommendations for evaluating LLMs.
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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…
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Capability-Based Planning (CBP) defines a framework that has an all-encompassing view of existing abilities and future needs for strategically deciding what is needed and how to effectively achieve it. Both business and government acquisition domains use CBP for financial success or to design a well-balanced defense system. The definitions understa…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Cybersecurity risks aren’t just a national concern. In this podcast from the Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute (SEI), the CERT division’s Tracy Bills, senior cybersecurity operations researcher and team lead, and James Lord, security operations technical manager, discuss the SEI’s work developing Computer Security Incident R…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Developers know that static analysis helps make code more secure. However, static analysis tools often produce a large number of false positives, hindering their usefulness. In this podcast from the Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute (SEI), David Svoboda, a software security engineer in the SEI’s CERT Division, discusses Rede…
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Not all paths to cybersecurity careers look the same. In this podcast from the Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute (SEI), Randy Trzeciak, deputy director of cyber risk and resilience in the SEI’s CERT division, discusses his career journey, resources for pursuing a career in cybersecurity, and the importance of building a dive…
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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 …
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Sam Procter started out studying computer science at the University of Nebraska, but he didn’t love it. It wasn’t until he took his first software engineering course that he knew he’d found his career path. In this podcast from the Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute, Sam Procter discusses the early influences that shaped his …
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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…
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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…
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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…
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With the increasing complexity of software systems, the use of third-party components has become a widespread practice. Cyber disruptions, such as SolarWinds and Log4j, demonstrate the harm that can occur when organizations fail to manage third-party components in their software systems. In this podcast from the Carnegie Mellon University Software …
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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…
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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…
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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 …
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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…
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Across the globe, women account for less than 30 percent of professionals in technical fields. That number drops to 22 percent in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In this podcast from the Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute (SEI), Violet Turri, a software developer in the SEI’s AI Division, discusses the evolution of…
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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…
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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 …
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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…
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