

All Quiet on the Second Front
Second Front
If Between Two Ferns and C-SPAN had a child, it would be All Quiet on the Second Front. Blending the very best (and the worst) of government gravitas with technical expertise, Second Front’s Chief Executive Officer, Tyler Sweatt, cuts through the noise and the bureaucratic BS surrounding all things defense tech, national security, and government markets. Be warned: this is not your typical military or government podcast. As host, Tyler has an uncanny ability to get people to talk honestly, making candid conversations that are equally informative and entertaining. All Quiet on the Second Front is the much-needed integrator connecting listeners to experts across fields in an approachable format that offers a fun experience with real conversations, driving real change in the defense tech industry and U.S. national security. Learn more about Second Front at SecondFront.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 29, 2024 • 30min
77. Innovation at the Edge with Michael Brasseur
Episode 77. On this episode of All Quiet, host Tyler Sweatt sits down with Michael Brasseur, Chief Strategy Officer of Saab and GM at Skapa. Discover Michael's seamless shift from a distinguished naval career, with tours in the White House, Pentagon, and NATO and founding Task Force 59, to leading a cutting edge transformational task force in the private sector. They delve into the creation of Saab’s Skapa, an initiative to accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies and solutions. This discussion not only sheds light on the complexities of transforming large-scale operations but also on how to cultivate a culture that embraces innovation. Michael's insights on leadership, team-building, and strategic problem-solving offer invaluable lessons for anyone looking to make a significant impact in their field.What’s Happening on the Second Front:Strategic thinking behind major defense innovationsEffective leadership and team-building in high-stakes environmentsIntegrating AI and robotics to solving operational defense problemsThe "Skapa Innovation Flywheel" and its real-world applicationsConnect with Michael:LinkedIn: Michael BrasseurConnect with Tyler:LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt

Oct 22, 2024 • 32min
76. Firmware Security & Vulnerabilities with Paul Asadoorian
Episode 76. Join us on this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front as guest host Enrique Oti welcomes Paul Asadoorian, Principal Security Researcher at Eclypsium. During this episode, they dive into the often overlooked world of firmware security, exploring how vulnerabilities at this foundational level pose significant risks not just to our military and national security, but also to healthcare, food supply chains, and more. Discover how Paul's work seeks to transform the precarious nature of trust in our digital components into a more secure reality, ensuring the integrity of the devices we depend on every day.What’s happening on the Second Front: Firmware security risks and vulnerabilitiesTransforming false trust into true securityBalancing and operationalizing security & complianceConnect with Paul:LinkedIn: Paul AsadoorianConnect with Enrique: LinkedIn: Enrique Oti

Oct 15, 2024 • 30min
75. Building Strategic Partnerships with Mamie Cruse
Join Tyler Sweatt on this week’s episode of All Quiet on the Second Front as he sits down with Mamie Cruse, VP of Partnerships at Second Front Systems. Dive into the intricacies of forming effective partnerships that go beyond traditional transactional frameworks to create an all-boats-rise framework. Get insights into the strategic use of partnerships as a lever for growth and the challenges of aligning partnership goals with organizational missions.What’s Happening on the Second FrontFostering mutual growth and success beyond the pipeline, for end-users, partners and the companyNavigating the challenges of early-stage growth and strategies for sustainable developmentBalancing creative ideation and operational execution within partnershipsConnect with MamieLinkedIn: Mamie CruseConnect with TylerLinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt

Oct 8, 2024 • 17min
74. From FinTech to Defense Tech with Arun Nair
Episode 61. What if a startup could revolutionize U.S. Air Force operations by applying fintech principles to defense tech? In this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, TJ Rowe, Chief Revenue Officer at Second Front, sits down with Arun Nair, CEO and Founder of OpsLab. In this special customer spotlight episode, Arun discusses his transition from fintech to defense tech, focusing on solving air mobility challenges for the Department of Defense. Discover how Ops Lab is transforming air mobility and setting new standards for defense technology.What’s Happening on the Second FrontIntegrating commercial technology into military applicationsThe role of end-user feedback in developing defense solutionsChallenges and strategies for rapid deploymentThe importance of partnerships in scaling defense technologyOps Lab’s plans for broader deployment across military branchesConnect with ArunLinkedIn: Arun NairConnect with TJLinkedin: TJ Rowe

Oct 1, 2024 • 20min
73. High Stakes Learning: Winning Strategies for Sports and Defense with Andrew Powell
TJ Rowe, CRO of Second Front Systems, guest hosts an engaging episode of All Quiet on the Second Front with Andrew Powell, CEO of Learn To Win. This customer spotlight episode explores Learn To Win's journey from pioneering sports learning technology to mastering defense applications. The company utilizes the synergy of learning technology and data science to revolutionize training methods, benefiting both elite athletes and military personnel. Dive into the conversation about the hurdles and triumphs in achieving product-market fit and the innovative strategies employed by Learn to Win to scale in the defense sector.What’s Happening on the Second Front:The evolution from sports to defense and the adoption of dual-use technologyHow sports analytics are repurposed for defense applications, enhancing tactical readiness and operational effectivenessThe complexities of expanding a technology business within the defense landscape.The role of strategic collaborations in accelerating Learn to Win’s impact and reach across defense marketsConnect with AndrewLinkedin: Andrew PowellConnect with TJLinkedIn: TJ Rowe

Sep 24, 2024 • 31min
72. CENTCOM's Tech Frontier with Schuyler Moore
In this engaging discussion, Schuyler Moore, Chief Technology Officer at CENTCOM, shares her insights from navigating tech legislation to pioneering advancements in military operations. She highlights the innovative Task Force 59 and the impactful Desert Guardian project aimed at countering UAS threats. The conversation delves into the cultural shifts at CENTCOM boosting tech adoption and the importance of user-centric design in high-stakes environments. Schuyler emphasizes collaboration and sustainable practices as key drivers for future success in national security technology.

7 snips
Sep 17, 2024 • 28min
71. AI and Decision Science with Dr. Courtney Crosby
Dr. Courtney Crosby, an expert in AI special missions at Booz Allen Hamilton, shares insights on the intersection of AI and defense strategies. She discusses the complexities of integrating advanced technologies in military operations and the importance of cognitive science in decision-making. The conversation highlights the need for adaptive innovation amid technological uncertainties. Moreover, Dr. Crosby advocates for embracing user-centered design in defense tech and the cultural shifts necessary to navigate societal fears around AI in warfare.

Sep 10, 2024 • 37min
70. Securing Startups with People in Mind with Jeremy Vaughan
Episode 70. In this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, guest host Enrique Oti discusses the dynamic intersection of entrepreneurship and cybersecurity with Jeremy Vaughan, CEO of Start Left. They explore Jeremy’s entrepreneurial path and how it led him to prioritize robust security in tech development. The conversation spans from Jeremy's motivations and the foundational strategies of Start Left to the broader challenges facing startups in integrating advanced security measures. Tune in to hear how personal experiences and industry demands shape the development of innovative, secure tech solutions.What’s Happening on the Second Front:• Personal and professional factors driving entrepreneurs towards innovative security solutions• Impact of early and integrated security measures on the success and sustainability of tech startups• Ongoing challenges and strategies in cultivating a security-first culture within fast-growing tech enterprises• Practical insights on how startups can navigate and influence the evolving cybersecurity landscapeConnect with Jeremy:• LinkedIn: Jeremy VaughanConnect with Enrique:• LinkedIn: Enrique Oti• Website: Second Front

Sep 3, 2024 • 29min
69. Government Acquisitions with Jonathan Mostowski
Episode 69. Navigating the labyrinth of government procurement can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. In this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, host Tyler Sweatt chats with Jonathan Mostowski, president of Agile Acquisitions, LLC and seasoned expert in government acquisitions. With over two decades of experience, Jonathan has pioneered innovative procurement models and shaped the landscape of modern IT services acquisition. Dive into a discussion that demystifies the complexities of government contracts, explores the cutting-edge of procurement strategies, and examines the cultural shifts necessary to streamline governmental innovation. What’s Happening on the Second Front:Overcoming the hurdles of traditional government procurement processesStrategies for successful government contracting and acquisitionsThe role of culture change within federal acquisitionPractical advice for businesses trying to penetrate the government marketConnect with Jonathan• Linkedin: Jonathan MostowskiConnect with Tyler• Linkedin: Tyler Sweatt• Website: Second Front

Aug 27, 2024 • 39min
68. TSA’s Shift to Next-Gen Tech with Dan McCoy
Episode 68. Dive into a compelling discussion on TSA’s transformative leap into next-generation technologies with Dan McCoy, former Chief Innovation Officer at TSA and now Head of Business Development at BMNT. Stepping in for Tyler Sweatt, Enrique Oti uncovers the strategies behind TSA’s embrace of cutting-edge solutions to enhance security operations and streamline processes. In this episode, Dan shares his firsthand experiences and challenges in integrating advanced technologies within TSA, revealing how these initiatives are not just about innovation, but about transforming the agency to meet future demands. Discover the intricate balance between maintaining robust security protocols and pushing the boundaries of technological innovation.What’s Happening on the Second Front:Insights into the critical role of advanced technologies in modernizing federal operationsStrategies for overcoming bureaucratic hurdles to implement transformative tech solutionsThe impact of leadership and vision in driving technological adoption at TSAA look at how TSA is setting a precedent for innovation in government agenciesConnect with Daniel McCoy:• Linkedin: Daniel McCoyConnect with Tyler Sweatt: • LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt• Website: Second Front