
All Quiet on the 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
Latest episodes

Apr 24, 2024 • 30min
50. Beyond Borders: Canadian National Security and Defense Investing with Glenn Cowan
Season 3, Episode 50. In this episode of All Quiet, Tyler is joined by Glenn Cowan, CEO and founder of ONE9 Investments, Canada’s leading dual-use technology innovation ecosystem for critical infrastructure and national security. Glenn is a seasoned Canadian venture capitalist, retired special operations officer, and accomplished investor. Together they discuss Glenn’s journey from the Canadian Armed Forces to spearheading Canada's pioneering defense-focused venture capital fund. They shed light on the challenges and opportunities within the Canadian defense sector, particularly in developing and investing in technologies that address specific national security needs.What’s Happening on the Second Front:Transitioning from military to venture capitalStrategic importance of Canadian investment in defenseUnique positioning of Canada in the global defense landscapeModernizing Canada’s defense capabilities and infrastructureConnect with Glenn:LinkedIn: Glenn CowanConnect with Tyler:LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt Website: secondfront.comCatch 2F’s Offset Symposium replay here.

Apr 16, 2024 • 36min
49. AI Spotlight: Use Cases in the Department of Defense
Explore the AI adoption and challenges in the DoD with insights from CDOs at DARPA and AFR. Learn about AI applications in federal agencies, efficiency and innovation in the DoD, utilizing AI for learning enhancement, and the evolution of digital and AI roles in DoD leadership.

Apr 9, 2024 • 30min
48. Frontiers of Conflict: AI, Policy, and the Future of Defense with Joseph Larson
Joseph Larson discusses the impact of algorithmic warfare, integrating AI in defense, adapting to rapid tech advancements, and learning from global events for future defense strategies.

Apr 1, 2024 • 24min
47. Identifying and Funding Mission-First Founders with Joe Musselman
Season 3, Episode 47. In this episode of All Quiet, Tyler is joined by Joe Musselman, the visionary founder of The Honor Foundation, America’s first career transition institute for Navy SEALs and the U.S. Special Operations community. Joe details the journey that led him to starting The Honor Foundation and SchoolHouse, underscoring their pivotal roles in guiding Special Operations veterans and tech entrepreneurs toward meaningful impacts in the defense ecosystem. Through these platforms, mission-first founders in national security are provided a clear process for professional development and a diverse ecosystem of world class support and technology. Listen as they discuss the importance of infusing the defense sector with top-tier talent and aligning cutting-edge technology with the mission to safeguard national security interests.What’s Happening on the Second Front:The parallels between the Special Operations community and mission-first foundersThe journey from the battlefield to the boardroomStrategic mentorship and support networks that empower veterans in the tech sectorSchoolHouse's role in fostering a supportive community for mission-first foundersVenture capital’s role in accelerating tech solutions that enhance national securityConnect with Joe:LinkedIn: Joe MusselmanConnect with Tyler:LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt Website: secondfront.comCatch 2F’s Offset Symposium replay here.

Mar 26, 2024 • 29min
46. Transforming the World: DARPA and Quantum Computing with Dr. Joe Altepeter
Season 3, Episode 46. Today, Tyler Sweatt is joined by Dr. Joe Altepeter from DARPA's Microsystems Technology Office. They discuss the enigmatic world of quantum mechanics, demystifying its complexities and exploring its potential to revolutionize our understanding of the universe and technology. Dr. Altepeter's expertise offers a rare glimpse into the cutting-edge work being done at DARPA and the exciting possibilities that quantum mechanics holds for the future of technology and defense.What’s Happening on the Second Front:Simplifying complex quantum principlesDARPA’s role in innovationSeparating fact from fiction with quantum technologyWhen/how innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs should engage with DARPAFuture of quantum technology & the potential applications and impactsConnect with Dr. Altepeter:Website: www.darpa.mil Connect with Tyler:LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt Website: secondfront.comCatch 2F’s Offset Symposium replay here.This show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Mar 19, 2024 • 31min
45. Maximizing Product Value for Warfighters in Defense Community with Garrett Smith
Season 3, Episode 45. Today, Tyler Sweatt is joined by Garrett Smith, the talented mind behind Reveal Technology. Garrett dives into the transformative journey of bringing cutting-edge products into the defense and national security sectors, emphasizing a product-first approach. As Garrett explains, Reveal Technology specializes in software designed for the hyper-tactical environment. Their flagship product, Farsight, revolutionizes how ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) data streams are converted into three-dimensional GIS (Geographical Information Systems) products, placing actionable intelligence directly into the hands of tactical operators. Garrett’s insights shed light on the nuanced process of introducing innovative products into the defense landscape, highlighting the necessity of user-centric design, strategic partnerships, and a deep understanding of defense acquisitions and funding mechanisms.What’s Happening on the Second Front:Empathizing with defense end-users for impactful innovationFrom problem identification to delivering tactical solutionsNavigating the defense acquisition maze with a multi-faceted strategyBuilding strategic partnerships within the defense ecosystemAligning product development with defense budgeting and funding cyclesConnect with Garret:LinkedIn: Garrett Smith Connect with Tyler:LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt Website: secondfront.comCatch 2F’s Offset Symposium replay here. This show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Mar 12, 2024 • 26min
44. Leveraging Capabilities for the Public Sector with Winston Chang
Season 3, Episode 44. This week on All Quiet, Tyler is joined by Winston Chang who is the Global Public Sector CTO for Snowflake. Tyler and Winston engage in an enlightening conversation about utilizing public sector capabilities. Winston shares his deep expertise, offering valuable insights into effective leadership, the impact of technological advancements, and strategies for transforming government organizations. This episode offers an analysis into the complexities of public sector operations with valuable takeaways on fostering positive change and innovation.What’s Happening on the Second Front:Exploring cutting-edge trends shaping public sector tech landscapesNavigating hurdles, finding solutions in tech implementation challengesFostering partnerships, integrating capabilities for sector-wide successBuilding resilience, embracing change in a dynamic tech environmentLeadership insights: driving innovation in the public sectorConnect with Winston:LinkedIn: Winston C.Connect with Tyler:LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt Website: secondfront.comCatch 2F’s Offset Symposium replay here. This show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Mar 5, 2024 • 27min
43. Data-Centric Warfighting with Brigadier General John P. Cogbill
Season 3, Episode 43. Welcoming Season 3 of All Quiet, Tyler Sweatt is joined by Brigadier General John P. Cogbill, a seasoned expert in military operations and innovation within the United States Central Command (CentCom). Together, they discuss the pivotal role of migrating combat power across theaters while mitigating risks, emphasizing global awareness, and shortening kill chains. BG Cogbill sheds light on the challenges faced by the Joint Staff in global force management and highlights the significance of digital targeting and data integration for enhanced military capabilities. The conversation delves into empowering tactical innovation, advocating for innovation centers at division levels, and creating pathways to scale good ideas.What’s Happening on the Second Front:Enhancing global awareness and readiness for effective military operationsEmpowering tactical-level innovation to solve problems efficientlyLeveraging digital targeting and data integration for operational effectivenessAdopting new technology via the CTO & innovation task forcesFostering collaboration through informal networks and platformsConnect with John:LinkedIn: Brigadier General John P. CogbillConnect with Tyler:LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt Website: secondfront.comCatch 2F’s Offset Symposium replay here.This show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Feb 27, 2024 • 15min
42. Offset Symposium 2024
Season 2, Episode 42. Today on All Quiet on the Second Front, Tyler takes the mic to advocate Second Front Systems’ upcoming Offset Symposium, a cornerstone event driving innovation in national security technology. Reflecting on last year's insights from speakers Peter Dixon and Tyler Rowe, Tyler explores the event's origins and evolution into a platform for critical dialogues and partnerships. With this year's theme, 'Software-Defined Statecraft,' the symposium aims to spark a shift towards outcome-driven strategies and precision enablement.What’s Happening on the Second Front:Origin and purpose of Offset SymposiumOffset Symposium's growth and evolutionNavigating authentic conversations and challengesEmbracing a focus on actionable outcomesUnveiling the theme for the current yearRegister for Second Front Systems’ Offset Symposium 2024 here. Connect with Tyler:LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt Website: secondfront.comCatch 2F’s Offset Symposium replay here.This show is produced by Soulfire Productions

Feb 21, 2024 • 28min
41. Glitter & Rage: All Quiet's Season 2 Recap
Season 2, Episode 41. On this episode of All Quiet, Tyler revisits all of the dynamic defense tech discussions from Season 2 of All Quiet on the Second Front. Throughout the season, Tyler and guests navigated the intricate realm of defense innovation, exploring themes like cybersecurity, public and private sector collaboration, and cultural change. Thanks to insights from industry leaders and policymakers, Season 2 offered valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of defense technology. From procurement strategies to geopolitical analysis, each episode offered a nuanced exploration of key issues shaping the future of national security. Tune in for a comprehensive recap of Season 2's captivating narratives and groundbreaking ideas.What’s Happening on the Second Front:Assessing the current state of defense technologyNavigating public-private sector collaborationHarnessing innovation ecosystems for defense solutionsCybersecurity and risk management in defenseCultural change and procurement paradigms in defenseConnect with Tyler:LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt Website: secondfront.comCatch 2F’s Offset Symposium replay here.This show is produced by Soulfire Productions
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