The Realignment

Matthew George, CEO of Merlin Labs, discusses the case for autonomous flight and the promise of human-machine partnership. They explore the potential role of autonomous flight in an Indo-Pacific conflict and the challenges of scaling autonomation in planes and beyond. The episode also touches on the development of software replicating human pilot decision-making processes and the significance of the name 'Merlin' in aviation history.

In this podcast, Marshall and Saagar discuss their optimism for 2024, Biden and Trump's prospects, the 'Vibecession' discourse, Zelensky's visit to DC, and the book 'A Bright Shining Lie' on understanding the Vietnam War.

Ryan Grim, Washington Bureau Chief of The Intercept and author of The Squad: AOC and the Hope of a Political Revolution, discusses the state of the Democratic Party, the influence of the Squad in shaping social change, the rise of the squad after the Great Recession, the frustrations of activists, the potential for generational changes in politics, and the implications of the 2024 election on Joe Biden's presidency.

John Brennan, General Manager at Scale AI, discusses the impact of AI on national security, the U.S.'s strategic advantage in technological competition, the transition of AI from science-fiction to reality, computer vision and its applications in teaching computers, the relationship between AI and human talent, challenges in producing munitions, the importance of collaboration and mentorship in the AI ecosystem, and John Brennan's research on transforming intelligence oversight.

Mike Slagh, founder of Shift, discusses the intersection of national security, technology, and foreign policy. Topics include post-military career paths for veterans, the changing view of Silicon Valley on defense, and the collaboration between the military and technology sectors.

Georgia Tech's Johnny Smith, author of Jumpman, discusses how racial politics shaped Michael Jordan's career, the role of sports in society, and the shift from racial optimism to pessimism in America. They also analyze the controversy surrounding Jordan's gambling habits and the connection between Spike Lee and Jordan in 'Do the Right Thing'.

Joe Lonsdale, co-founder of Palantir and 8VC Managing Partner, discusses the role of defense technology in the great power competition era. The podcast explores the importance of venture capitalists in the defense sector, challenges they face, and the need for continuous learning rather than self-proclaimed expertise. It also highlights the shift towards adaptation and engagement with society, as well as the importance of staying in the country and fighting for American values.

Shyam Sankar, Defense Tech Ecosystem expert, discusses the consolidation of the defense industry, the negative consequences of financialization, the lack of founders and creatives, challenges faced by startups, the concept of a 'First Breakfast' as an alternative to the 'Last Supper', and promoting excellence through talent spotting and ownership.

Tim Alberta, staff writer for The Atlantic and author of The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age, explores the evolution of Trump's relationship with Evangelical Christians, the impact of a secularizing America on faith in politics, and the long-term effects of overturning Roe v. Wade.

Jason Del Rey, author of Winner Sells All: Amazon, Walmart, and the Battle for Our Wallets, discusses the transformation of Black Friday to online commerce, the rivalry between Amazon and Walmart, the challenges they faced, the cultural significance of both companies, the lack of a transformative X factor in online e-commerce, the impact of the pandemic on e-commerce, and the political ambitions within the industry.