
The Merge
Military technology, trends, and national security...presented with unique insights, salt, and wit from combat aviator veterans and industry experts.
Fence in for interviews and anecdotes about the ins, outs, and happenings at the intersection of technology, industry, strategy, and policy of aerospace and national defense.
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Latest episodes

18 snips
Jun 16, 2024 • 54min
E38 – Palantir CTO Shyam Sankar: REAL defense innovation
Palantir CTO Shyam Sankar discusses software-defined warfare, defense modernization, and innovation in defense software. Topics include Palantir's lawsuit against the Army, leadership mentalities, culture, and history. The conversation touches on the urgency of innovation, challenges in security clearances, and the shift towards software-defined warfare in defense acquisition.

Jun 2, 2024 • 1h 10min
E37 – High Power Microwave Weapons
Andy Lowery, CEO of Epirus, discusses high-power microwave weapons, their impact on electronics, and their applications in defense against drones and swarm protection. The Army is actively testing these counter-UAS systems, while the Navy and Air Force show interest in their diverse capabilities. This defense tech episode offers insights into the fascinating world of directed energy weapons.

May 26, 2024 • 44min
E36 – Revolutionizing Ukraine's Defense Tech Industry
Perry Boyle, Co-founder of MITS Capital, talks about revolutionizing Ukraine's defense industry by investing in startups, compliance and regulatory challenges, fast innovation cycle, key investing insights, and investing in peace. The podcast delves into the establishment of a defense tech accelerator, the potential for NATO supply, geopolitics, innovation in defense technology, and Ukraine's global impact.

May 19, 2024 • 43min
E35 – US Merchant Marine
Captain John Konrad, expert on Merchant Marine and national security, discusses the Merchant Marine Academy, Military Sealift Command, Jones Act, ghost fleet, USS Bonhomme Richard fire response, and the biggest merchant mariner customer. Packed with intel and some fun anecdotes, this episode explores the intersection of military, navy, mariner, and national security.

5 snips
Apr 28, 2024 • 47min
E34 – Drones in Ukraine
Dr. Stacie Pettyjohn discusses drone tech in Ukraine conflict, innovation on both sides, and notable absent critical drone technology. Conversation extends to drone boats, exploring the evolution in warfare tactics and technologies in modern conflicts.

Apr 7, 2024 • 1h 1min
E33 – Keeping up Foreign Relations
Former Australian diplomat John Fowler discusses global events like China's economic shifts, Taiwan elections, Russia in Ukraine, and US involvement in international matters. They delve into AUKUS, Japan's military, and US superpower status, offering unique perspectives. John runs International Intrigue, a daily newsletter by former diplomats, providing insights on world events and their significance.

Mar 26, 2024 • 12min
E32 – Lowdown 3.26.24
Our lowdown of the week's military tech happenings. We release these in between our more in-depth discussions to keep our audience up to speed.
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Mar 3, 2024 • 1h 1min
E31 – The plan to fix the US military's industrial base
Expert Chris Michienzi discusses the US military's plan to revive its industrial base, highlighting challenges in supply chains and manufacturing. The podcast explores the complexities of modern industrial systems, procurement processes, and the importance of collaboration for national security and resilience.

Feb 20, 2024 • 12min
E30 – Lowdown 2.20.24
Our lowdown of the week's military tech happenings.
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Feb 11, 2024 • 1h 2min
E29 – Inside Look on Selling Tech to the Pentagon
John Ferry, expert in selling tech to the Pentagon and US government, joins Mike and Jake to discuss the highs and lows of selling tech to the Pentagon. They delve into topics such as SBIR scoring, GovCon merit badges, the creative process, using AI to write government proposals, and the challenges of selling tech to the Pentagon.
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