Ever wonder why critical military resources get lost in the“fog of war”?In this week’s episode of Defense Mavericks, Ryan Connell sits down with Beowulf’s founders, Mark Hammonds and Ryan Perez, to discuss how Bulldog—a logistic and planning tool—was developed to streamline military logistics.Drawing from their firsthand experiences in Ukraine, they discuss how real-time feedback from soldiers transformed Bulldog into a game-changing tool for efficiency, accountability, and survivability on the frontlines.They also dive into the evolving role of AI in software engineering, the lessons they learned while navigating U.S. government contracting, and Beowulf’s partnership with Carahsoft to deploy their solution.If you’re interested in technology’s role in defense or the journey of a startup tackling massive logistical problems, this episode is a must-listen.Key Takeaways:(00:00) Introduction (01:10) The story behind Beowulf’s creation(05:09) Initial problem identification in Ukraine’s military logistics(11:16) Real-world impact of poor inventory management(14:47) Progress and challenges with scaling Bulldog (18:28) Regulatory hurdles for small businesses contracting with the government(21:30)  AI’s evolving role in software engineering(25:54) Importance of early, direct feedback from users(27:46) How to get actionable feedback from software pilots(30:19) Episode wrap-upAdditional Resources:👉Follow Ryan Connell on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/👉Learn, acquire, and deliver tech on Tradewinds here:https://www.tradewindai.com/👉Visit CDAO for updates:https://www.ai.mil/👉Follow us on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/6MLAqMOVnLWbmB5yZbZ9lC👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@DefenseMavericksConnect with today’s guests:💥Follow Mark Hammonds on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhammonds/💥Follow Ryan Perez on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-perez1/💥Visit Beowulf for more information:https://beowulfgroup.com/— Defense Mavericks is a podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government through authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds.Follow us on your favorite streaming platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Balancing defense and commercial markets can be daunting, but today’s guest shares how the dual-use readiness model makes it easier for startups to thrive in both worlds. In this week’s episode, Ryan Connell speaks with Gene Keselman, Director of Mission Innovation Experimentation at MIT.  Gene shares how creating a shared language between startups and defense organizations, along with integrating AI tools into readiness models, can turn complex systems into practicable strategies. You’ll also hear about MIT’s Pro Ventures studio, the challenges startups face in these dual-use markets and why building a stronger global defense ecosystem is more critical than ever. Tune in to learn how MIT is shaping the future of defense innovation. Let’s dive in! Key Takeaways: (00:00) Introduction  (00:49) Meet Gene Keselman and his work at MIT (06:01) Defining the dual-use readiness model  (08:47) The importance of shared language in defense startups (13:00) AI integration into readiness models (16:04) Commercial vs. DoD-focused tech companies (18:53) Challenges of dual-use for startups (23:49) Dual-use as a strategy, not a category (25:54) The role of non-dilutive funding (28:18) MIT’s Proto Ventures studio (34:29) Strengthening global security Additional Resources: 👉Follow Ryan Connell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ 👉Learn, acquire, and deliver tech on Tradewinds here: https://www.tradewindai.com/ 👉Visit CDAO for updates: https://www.ai.mil/ 👉Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6MLAqMOVnLWbmB5yZbZ9lC 👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DefenseMavericks Connect with today’s guest: 💥Follow Gene Keselman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genekeselman/ —  Defense Mavericks is a podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government through authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds. Follow us on your favorite streaming platform so you won’t miss an episode!

What if the DoD could be as agile as a tech startup? In this week’s episode of Defense Mavericks, Ryan Connell chats with Warren Katz, chairman of the Alliance for Commercial Technology in Government, to explore the challenges and inefficiencies in the DoD’s acquisition processes. They discuss promising reforms, including the Restoring Freedom’s Forge Act, and compare Ukraine’s rapid adoption of commercial technologies. Warren explains why aligning incentives and creating a culture of rapid innovation is key to fixing DoD’s procurement challenges. Additionally, Warren discusses the role of venture capitalists in defense innovation and real-world examples of success and failure in acquisition reform. Tune in now and discover how the DoD can become an agile, innovation-driven organization. Key Takeaways: (00:00) Introduction  (01:09) Warren Katz's advocacy for reform (07:19) The impact of DoD’s outdated requirements process (12:03) Lessons from Ukraine’s rapid innovation (18:09) The Restoring Freedom’s Forge Act (25:37) Reforming DoD incentives for innovation (33:13) Success stories and missed opportunities (36:49) Call for leadership changes in the Pentagon Additional Resources: 👉Follow Ryan Connell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ 👉Learn, acquire, and deliver tech on Tradewinds here: https://www.tradewindai.com/ 👉Visit CDAO for updates: https://www.ai.mil/ 👉Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6MLAqMOVnLWbmB5yZbZ9lC 👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DefenseMavericks Connect with today’s guest: 💥Follow Warren Katz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/warrenkatz/ —  Defense Mavericks is a podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government through authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds. Follow us on your favorite streaming platform so you won’t miss an episode!

The real challenge for the Department of Defense (DoD) isn’t coming up with innovations. The DoD has a long history of celebrated innovators and has invested billions of dollars in research and development. So, what’s holding back these innovations? In this episode of Defense Mavericks, Ryan Connell speaks with Josh Marcuse, former Defense Innovation Board leader and now with Google Public Sector, to explore this issue. Josh explains the definition of innovation and why the DoD’s main hurdle isn’t creating new ideas but implementing them. They discuss the role of culture in risk tolerance, how platforms like cloud computing drive AI adoption, and the importance of supporting entrepreneurial talent within the organization. Tune in now to learn how to drive change and encourage the adoption of innovation. Key Takeaways: (00:00) Introduction  (01:37) From Pentagon to Google: Josh Marcuse’s career transition (03:40) Josh Marcuse’s definition of innovation (05:51) The innovation adoption curve explained (08:56) Importance of focusing on early adopters over laggards (28:23) Rethinking risk and its role in innovation adoption (38:32) Challenging conventional wisdom through talent management Additional Resources: 👉Follow Ryan Connell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ 👉Learn, acquire, and deliver tech on Tradewinds here: https://www.tradewindai.com/ 👉Visit CDAO for updates: https://www.ai.mil/ 👉Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6MLAqMOVnLWbmB5yZbZ9lC 👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DefenseMavericks Connect with today’s guest: 💥Follow Josh Marcuse on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuamarcuse —  Defense Mavericks is a podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government through authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds. Follow us on your favorite streaming platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Have you ever wondered how AI and robotics are transforming the military? This week, Ryan Connell speaks with Cathleen Rush, Deputy of the Office of ARSOF Autonomy–a newly formed office within the U.S. Army Special Operations Forces–about the intersection of technology and military operations. Cathleen shares her journey from active-duty engineer to her leadership role in Autonomy, where she combines AI, robotics, and science to enhance military efficiency. In this episode, they dive into the SOF Dev initiative, which trains soldiers to use and develop advanced tech while fulfilling their operational roles. Learn how generative AI is revolutionizing decision-making, the importance of upskilling the military workforce, and the challenges of technology adoption in a military context. Tune in now and see how AI is shaping the future of military operations. Let’s dive in! Key Takeaways: (00:00) Introduction  (01:05) Cathleen Rush’s role in the U.S. Army (04:01) Overview of the Office of ARSOF Autonomy (06:57) Upskilling military workforce through the SOF Dev initiative (08:29) Balancing operational and technical roles in the military (12:39) Soldiers as co-developers of tech (19:47) Building soldier-technologists (23:17) Challenges of technology adoption in the military (25:34) Generative AI’s role in military operations (28:44) Importance of cross-functional teams and partnerships  Additional Resources: 👉Follow Ryan Connell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ 👉Learn, acquire, and deliver tech on Tradewinds here: https://www.tradewindai.com/ 👉Visit CDAO for updates: https://www.ai.mil/ 👉Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6MLAqMOVnLWbmB5yZbZ9lC 👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DefenseMavericks Connect with today’s guest: 💥Follow Cathleen Rush on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-rush/ —  Defense Mavericks is a podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government through authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds. Follow us on your favorite streaming platform so you won’t miss an episode!

What does it take to build a thriving startup in defense technology? In the world of startups, chaos is constant. But in the defense sector? It’s chaos with billion-dollar stakes. In this week’s episode of Defense Mavericks, Matthew Steckman, Chief Revenue Officer at Anduril Industries, reveals how defense startups like theirs survive and thrive. From predicting government demands to integrating cutting-edge technology like generative AI, success isn’t just about innovation–it’s about grit. Matthew breaks down what makes defense startups unique and reveals the three critical factors for staying ahead in this fiercely competitive space. You’ll also learn why modeling and simulation are indispensable for testing emerging technologies at scale and how the future depends on the velocity of integrating and replacing system components. Ready to hear how startups are reshaping the future of defense? Let’s dive in! Key Takeaways: (00:00) Introduction  (02:14) The realities of startup life in defense (04:45) Capital allocation and risk in defense startups (06:32) 3 key factors for defense tech success (10:42) Overcoming challenges in defense tech startups (12:38) Generative AI’s role in defense innovation (16:36) Modeling and simulation for battlefield readiness (19:57) Solving the system-level problem of kill chain integration (23:29) Why grit matters more than qualifications in hiring (28:40) Advice for aspiring defense startup founders (31:51) Acquisition advice for small companies (33:05) How Anduril drives competition in defense Additional Resources: 👉Follow Ryan Connell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ 👉Learn, acquire, and deliver tech on Tradewinds here: https://www.tradewindai.com/ 👉Visit CDAO for updates: https://www.ai.mil/ 👉Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6MLAqMOVnLWbmB5yZbZ9lC 👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DefenseMavericks Connect with today’s guest: 💥Follow Matthew Steckman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-steckman-4a23a8b0/ 💥Visit Anduril Industries for more information: https://www.anduril.com/ —  Defense Mavericks is a podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government through authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds. Follow us on your favorite streaming platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Are rigid acquisition processes slowing down your innovative solutions? Tradewinds is here to change that. This week on Defense Mavericks, I’m joined by Stephanie Wilson, Kristina Botelho, and Tony Kwag at this year’s NCMA Conference to explore how Tradewinds is revolutionizing AI and digital solution procurement for government agencies.  With flexible contracting options and open, candid collaboration, Tradewinds is simplifying the path for both vendors and buyers. Learn how a TRL-agnostic approach and pitch videos are opening the door for small businesses and experimental technologies. We also tackle the challenges and successes of modernizing acquisition processes–from ATO reciprocity to rapid contract awards. Don’t miss this insightful conversation and find out how Tradewinds can help your organization innovate faster. Tune in now! Key Takeaways: (00:00) Introduction  (01:12) What is Tradewinds? (07:20) Submission process and pitch-video specifics (13:43) Key performance indicators and metrics for success (17:20) Traditional vs. non-traditional acquisition pathways (21:48) From prototype to production contracts (24:58) Challenges of low TRL technologies (31:24) Managing video libraries and differentiating solutions (36:32) Government engagement and educational efforts (44:29) The benefits of relational contracting (51:59) Exploring different contract types (56:06) Addressing misconceptions and expanding adoption across agencies (01:04:14) OT vs. FAR-base contracts  (01:08:40) Tradewinds program nuances for international sellers and buyers and non-DoD (01:13:17) Final thoughts Additional Resources: 👉Follow Ryan Connell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ 👉Learn, acquire, and deliver tech on Tradewinds here: https://www.tradewindai.com/ 👉Visit CDAO for updates: https://www.ai.mil/ 👉Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6MLAqMOVnLWbmB5yZbZ9lC 👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DefenseMavericks Connect with today’s guests: 💥Follow Stephanie Wilson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-wilson-790902237/ 💥Follow Kristina Botelho on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-botelho/ 💥Follow Tony Kwag on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonykwag/ —  Defense Mavericks is a podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government through authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds. Follow us on your favorite streaming platform so you won’t miss an episode!

In this insightful discussion, Jesse Levin, the Executive Director of the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum, Jay Long, COO of Parlay, and Brad Halsey, CEO of Building Momentum, reveal the untapped power of networking in national security. They explain how informal relationships can enhance operational efficiency and tackle contemporary challenges. The guests also delve into the importance of soft skills training, empowering younger generations, and the need for military innovation to remain adaptable in an evolving technological landscape.

Imagine a Marine stranded on an island, needing a critical part to continue their mission. What if that essential part could be produced on the spot? In this week’s episode of Defense Mavericks, we sit down with Matt Pine, Innovation Officer for the U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune, to explore how additive manufacturing (AM) is revolutionizing military logistics. Matt shares how point-of-need production cut supply chain delays in half, illustrated by a groundbreaking success story aboard the USS Somerset. We also discuss the challenges of integrating AM into military systems, how these innovations offer significant cost savings and faster part delivery, and more. Tune in now to learn how AM is shaping the future of defense logistics. Key Takeaways: (00:00) Introduction  (00:59) Meet Matt Pine and his experience in the Marine Corps (02:28) The Blue List for drones (03:13) Benchy’s role in 3D printing (06:39) A success story on additive manufacturing (AM) deployment (08:57) Importance of tech data for AM adoption (10:22) Are AM innovations cost-effective? (13:57) What does the future look like for AM? (15:53) Future vision for military AM integration (19:47) Episode wrap-up Additional Resources: 👉Follow Ryan Connell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ 👉Learn, acquire, and deliver tech on Tradewinds here: https://www.tradewindai.com/ 👉Visit CDAO for updates: https://www.ai.mil/ 👉Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6MLAqMOVnLWbmB5yZbZ9lC 👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DefenseMavericks Connect with Matt: 💥Follow Matt on Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-pine-123755b8/ 💥Check out the official website of the Marines for more information here —  Defense Mavericks is a podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government through authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds. Follow us on your favorite streaming platform so you won’t miss an episode! DISCLAIMER: The views reflected are not a representation of an official position of the Marine Corps, Navy, or the Department of Defense.

With deepfakes and misinformation on the rise, distinguishing truth from lies has never been more challenging. A recent Harvard paper stated how generative AI, like ChatGPT, is increasingly showing up in academic journals, archives, and repositories. So, how can we fight back against this growing misinformation crisis? This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Nathan Manzotti, Managing Director of Data Analytics and AI Centers of Excellence at GSA, to explore groundbreaking ideas for combating misinformation using blockchain and AI. Learn how an AI training program is empowering thousands and how a government-wide AI model repository could transform federal efficiency. If you’re passionate about the future of technology, truth, and public service, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now! Key Takeaways: (00:00) Introduction  (00:59) Meet Nathan Manzotti and his journey into AI (04:14) The rise of deepfakes and the misinformation crisis (06:08) How to combat deepfakes with blockchain technology (10:12) The role of personal passion in driving government innovation (15:21) Expansion of AI training program across the federal workforce (19:18) Building collaborative community platforms for progress (24:22) GSA’s fee-of-service consulting model (29:58) Nate’s vision for a government-backed model repository  Additional Resources: 👉Follow Ryan Connell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ 👉Learn, acquire, and deliver tech on Tradewinds here: https://www.tradewindai.com/ 👉Visit CDAO for updates: https://www.ai.mil/ 👉Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6MLAqMOVnLWbmB5yZbZ9lC 👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DefenseMavericks Connect with Nathan Manzotti  🔹Follow Nathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanmanzotti/ 🔹Harvard’s publication on GPT-fabricated papers: https://misinforeview.hks.harvard.edu/article/gpt-fabricated-scientific-papers-on-google-scholar-key-features-spread-and-implications-for-preempting-evidence-manipulation/ 🔹Visit Harvard’s Misinformation Review for more information: https://misinforeview.hks.harvard.edu/ —  Defense Mavericks is a podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government through authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds. Follow us on your favorite streaming platform so you won’t miss an episode!