Matthew Syed asks what the world's greatest fighter pilot can tell us about decision making. He discovers a theory that transformed warfare and might have played a key role in Brexit.John Boyd was a rebel. The quintessential cigar-chomping fighter pilot. A legend within the US Air Force, he was known to be able to shoot down any opponent in a dogfight in under 40 seconds.He developed a decision making tool that would take the military by storm – OODA - observe, orient, decide, act. Boyd explained that this process looped, with each action leading to a new opportunity to observe. To defeat an enemy all you had to do was disrupt their OODA loop. Matthew reveals how Boyd devotee Dominic Cummings, deployed OODA during the Brexit campaign with great effect.While the OODA loop is highly effecting in confrontational settings, Matthew asks whether this form of thinking works when co-operation, rather than domination, is the name of the game.Producer: Robbie MacInnesA Novel production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in 2021.

John Boyd, a revolutionary military strategist, and Mark Squeglia, a dedicated Erie, PA resident and PBS speaker, dive into Boyd's impactful early life and his groundbreaking ideas. They discuss his defining OODA loop concept that reshaped military tactics and its applications in business. Squeglia shares a riveting recount of Boyd's 1992 commencement speech, emphasizing adaptability in learning. The conversation also explores Boyd's legacy in Erie, community efforts to honor him, and the creative process through a unique snowmobile analogy.

John Boyd and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. discuss systemic farming injustices, discrimination faced by Black farmers, the influence of Bill Gates and China on American agriculture, and the need to address issues within the USDA. They highlight the struggles of Black farmers, the impact of foreign entities on land ownership, and the importance of supporting farmers in ensuring food security.