Episodes
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In this episode, host Jeremy Hitchcock sits down with Tim Mak, a veteran journalist with over fifteen years of experience covering Capitol Hill, national security, and presidential campaigns. As a former U.S. Army medic and EMT, Tim brings a unique perspective to his reporting, blending firsthand experience from the frontlines of conflict with deep insights into national and international security. He's the author of Misfire, an investigative look into the NRA, and his work has appeared in The Atlantic, Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, and Politico Magazine.
Now based in Ukraine, Tim shares his journey from Washington to Kyiv, the inspiration behind his publications The Counteroffensive and Counteroffensive Pro, and his focus on Ukraine's defense innovations and human stories amid war. Join us as we discuss his experiences, the evolving defense landscape, and what it's like reporting from a war zone.
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In this episode, Jeremy sits down with Hector, the visionary founder and CEO of Rotor AI, to explore the future of autonomous aviation. Hector shares his journey from the UK to launching Rotor AI in New Hampshire, where the company is pioneering the transformation of traditional helicopters into unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). They discuss the challenges of creating reliable, large-scale drones for demanding industries and how Rotor AI’s innovations, like the Airtruck and Sprayhawk, are set to change the landscape of both civilian and defense sectors. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of cutting-edge drone technology and the future of autonomous aviation!
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In the latest episode of Securing Our Future, our host, Jeremy Hitchcock, sits down with Jesse Hamel, a seasoned consultant, advisor, and executive coach. With a distinguished background as a former Air Force Commander, Weapons Officer, and Special Operations Aviator, Jesse brings unparalleled insights into the world of defense technology and global operations.
In this episode, Jesse delves into the future of human-machine collaboration, autonomy, and the evolving landscape of manufacturing. It's an essential listen for anyone passionate about innovation, entrepreneurship, and the intersection of technology with national security.
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In this episode, host Jeremy Hitchcock sits down with RDML Mark Haigis, a seasoned Navy Reserve Rear Admiral and veteran of the defense industry, to explore his unique journey across military and civilian roles. Mark shares his experience growing up as a Navy brat, his education at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, and his active duty service, including his transition into the Navy Reserve and his leadership roles within the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC).
Mark offers an in-depth look at how his dual roles in the Navy and at BAE Systems have given him a unique perspective on the intersection of defense, technology, and innovation. He discusses the evolving strategic landscape, the importance of readiness in a rapidly changing global environment, and the cultural shifts necessary to prepare for future conflicts. Additionally, Mark delves into the role of technology in both the military and private sectors, highlighting the increasing importance of unmanned systems and artificial intelligence.
Join us as Mark provides valuable insights into leadership, change management, and the critical role of the Navy in safeguarding national and global security. Whether you're interested in military strategy, defense industry innovation, or leadership development, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge from a leader who has navigated both worlds with distinction.
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In this episode, Jeremy Hitchcock sits down with Hans Olson, a veteran of both the Navy and the public sector, to explore the complex world of cybersecurity. Hans shares his journey from serving as a Navy corpsman to becoming an Assistant Undersecretary of Homeland Security, revealing how his career has been driven by a passion for risk management and public service.
We delve into the challenges facing state and local governments in securing critical infrastructure, the intersection of cyber and physical security, and the role of AI in future cybersecurity efforts. Hans also discusses his work at DARPA, where he developed cyber tools that impact the physical world, and his thoughts on combating misinformation and disinformation.
Join us for an insightful conversation that explores the evolving threats and opportunities in the cyber landscape. Whether you’re a cybersecurity professional or just curious about the field, this episode offers valuable perspectives and expert insights.
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Host Jeremy Hitchcock sits down with Jack Conway, a representative at the British Consulate in Boston for the Department for Business and Trade.
Jack specializes in promoting investment from American venture capital firms into the UK, focusing on clean tech, deep tech, and defense sectors. With a strong academic background in local economic development and extensive experience in fostering innovation ecosystems, Jack is a key player in facilitating international trade and investment.
In this episode, He'll be sharing insights on how he connects US venture capitalists with the UK's top research and entrepreneurial communities and discussing the latest trends in clean tech and defense innovation -
In this episode, host Jeremy Hitchcock sits down with Don Dodge, a tech and investment veteran with a storied career spanning groundbreaking startups and tech giants like Google and Microsoft.
Join us as we explore Don's journey, from his early days at Forte Software, Alta Vista, and Napster to his pivotal roles at Microsoft and Google. We dive into his experiences with venture capital, the evolving landscape of startups, and his unique insights into dual-use technologies bridging the commercial and defense sectors. Don also shares his excitement about joining New North Ventures, emphasizing the opportunities in national security and commercial crossovers.
This episode is packed with valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and investors alike, highlighting the importance of team dynamics, market understanding, and the changing game of building successful tech companies. -
Today, Jeremy Hitchock sits down with Apollo, an experienced entrepreneur and ecosystem builder. They dive into their shared history in the Boston startup scene and Apollo’s mission to bridge Boston and Lithuania's tech ecosystems.
Apollo shares his journey from building companies like Robin to focusing on cross-border investing, the challenges posed by international tax laws, and strategies like Delaware flips. They also discuss the burgeoning startup scene in Lithuania, government support, and the emergence of local unicorns. Tune in for insights on global entrepreneurship, economic diplomacy, and the future of cross-border investments. -
Host Jeremy Hitchcock delves into the fascinating journey of Brian Streem, a startup CEO who transitioned from the glitz of Hollywood to the complexities of defense innovation.
From his early days in film school to producing independent films showcased at Sundance, Brian's passion for cameras and technology eventually led him to the world of drones. Through grit and determination, he built a successful company providing drone cinematography services to Hollywood, only to pivot towards developing groundbreaking software for precise drone navigation.
Discover how Brian's tenacity, willingness to listen to customer needs, and bold approach to business have propelled his company, Vermeer, into the forefront of defense technology. Explore the challenges, insights, and lessons learned along the way in this compelling episode of innovation and perseverance. -
Host Jeremy Hitchcock sits down with John DeVito, Special Agent in Charge at ATF.
In this episode, John provides insights into ATF's role in combating gun violence, arson, and explosive incidents across the nation. From implementing advanced technologies like firearm tracing and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to the shift towards intelligence-driven policing, John discusses how law enforcement has evolved to stay ahead of criminal trends.Through anecdotes and real-life examples, John illustrates the power of leveraging intelligence and technology to target the most dangerous elements of criminal networks. He emphasizes the need for continual improvement and innovation in law enforcement strategies to effectively protect communities and prevent violent crime.
Join us as we gain valuable insights from John's extensive career in law enforcement and explore the ongoing efforts to create safer neighborhoods and uphold justice across the United States.
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Host Jeremy Hitchcock sits down with Amanda von Goetz, CEO of Fermata Discovery, one of New North Ventures' portfolio companies.
Amanda von Goetz earned her BMus degree in Piano Performance from The Juilliard School, where she studied from 2000 to 2005. Later, she pursued her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, completing her studies from 2012 to 2014.
Discover how Amanda's background as a classical pianist paved the way for her transition into the tech field, where she harnessed her understanding of hierarchical structures to revolutionize intelligence gathering. And explore real-life examples of Fermata's impact in solving mysteries and aiding law enforcement agencies while uncovering the unique culture and values that drive Fermata's success. -
Host Jeremy Hitchcock sits down with Landon Winkelvoss.
Landon co-founded Nisos in 2015 and serves as its VP of Legal and Intelligence Advisory. He leads Nisos legal go-to-market, where his team is directly involved in go-to-market sales, demand generation marketing efforts, law firm partnership acquisition, product management, and project sales conversion to annual recurring revenue. He also sits on the Board of Directors and is involved in the strategic direction of Nisos with Columbia Capital, Paladin Capital Group, and Skylab Capital.
His vision as a founder was to engineer an analytical scale using artificial intelligence to deliver intelligence community-level digital insights to blue-chip companies and the national security sector. These insights are delivered through a platform enabling a stronger defense and more effective response against advanced cyberattacks, fraud, IP theft, disinformation, threats to executives and physical assets, state-sponsored actors, and abuse of digital platforms. Prior to founding Nisos, he spent 10 years as a Technical Targeting Officer for the U.S. Intelligence Community, including multiple warzone deployments and overseas postings. -
Host Jeremy Hitchcock sits down with David Etue, CEO of Nisos and a seasoned expert with 20 years of experience in the cybersecurity realm. With an impressive background spanning security program leadership, management consulting, and product management, David brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.
In this insightful episode, David engages in a compelling conversation with our host, Jeremy Hitchcock, exploring the intricacies of the cybersecurity landscape. David shares valuable insights from his experiences at the helm of Nisos, a company focused on delivering managed intelligence services, to his reflections on the intersection of managed services and products in the ever-evolving cyber landscape.
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Our guest host Stephanie Usry Bellistri sits down with Aaron Brown, associate founder at 2430 -- a nonprofit dedicated to defending American innovation, industry, and critical technology against foreign adversaries.
Aaron has over two decades of experience in law enforcement, Army Special Operations, and national security, including as a senior operations officer and field leader at the Central Intelligence Agency. Aaron is a proven problem solver and innovator, with experience leading complex, dynamic, and multimillion dollar intelligence missions across the globe, in war zones, austere environments, throughout the Near East, Eastern Europe, and Asia.
Aaron is a recognized expert in the exponential risk of surveillance technology. He has advised numerous intelligence community programs about such risks and developed advanced solutions for this rapidly growing threat–hundreds have attended his sensitive talks on technology, including CIA executives and senior leaders from the Special Operations community. Aaron‘s final role at CIA was as Deputy Chief of Operations for Southeast Asia, where he gained deep regional expertise.
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Host Jeremy Hitchcock sits down with Jim Smith, a distinguished member of the Senior Executive Service and the Acquisition Executive at U.S. Special Operations Command, for an engaging conversation in our latest podcast episode. Delving into Mr. Smith's multifaceted career that spans military service, academia, and leadership in defense acquisitions, this episode offers valuable insights into the intricate world of special operations forces acquisition, technology, and logistics.
Join the discussion as Mr. Smith shares perspectives on the role of artificial intelligence, data, and the collaborative efforts essential for the future of military technology. Whether you're a defense industry professional or an enthusiast eager to explore the evolving landscape of defense acquisitions, this episode provides a compelling and enlightening exploration of Jim Smith's remarkable journey and expertise.
0:00Introduction
1:37
Jim's Background
4:17
Day to Day Acquisitions in DoD
7:44
Setting Priorities in Acquisitions
12:09
Technology, Venture, and Dual Use
19:00
AI and Data Workflows
24:28
Advice for Founders
27:35
Outro
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In this insightful episode, host Jeremy Hitchcock sits down with Stephen DiBartolomeo, a Navy cryptologist turned venture capitalist and founder, shares his unique journey transitioning from military service to civilian life through a skill bridge fellowship.
The conversation unfolds to reveal his venture capital endeavors with Forge Point Capital and Scout, highlighting emerging trends in the industry. Steven's dual role as an investor and founder at Chiplytics is explored, emphasizing the intersection of negotiation skills and an understanding of technology development timelines gained through entrepreneurship.
The episode delves into Chiplytics' origin story, addressing supply chain vulnerabilities. For valuable advice on careers in venture capital or entrepreneurship and to gain insights into the dynamic landscape, you'll want to tune in!
0:00Introduction
1:22
Stephen's SkillBridge Story
8:50
Venture After Armed Services
13:37
Origin Story of Chiplitics
21:23
Founding and Investing
25:31
Outro
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Host Jeremy Hitchcock sits down with sit down with Ben Colman, the founder of Reality Defender, a trailblazing company in the field of deepfake detection.
With a rich background spanning 15 years in scaling companies at the intersection of privacy, AI, and cybersecurity, Ben brings a wealth of experience to the discussion. As the former leader of cyber commercialization at Goldman Sachs and a graduate intern at Google, Ben shares his journey and delves into the core focus of Reality Defender—utilizing generative AI to detect manipulated or fake content across various mediums like audio, video, images, and text.The engaging conversation explores the challenges encountered by startups, the imperative need for regulations in the evolving space of deepfake detection, and real-world instances where misinformation has had profound consequences. Ethical considerations surrounding the use of generative AI take center stage, as Ben provides valuable insights into both the capabilities and limitations of their technology. The episode concludes with a reflection on Ben's role as a CEO and the dynamic nature of the cybersecurity landscape, leaving listeners with a deeper understanding of the critical role played by innovative solutions in safeguarding against the risks of manipulated media.
0:00Introduction
0:54
Welcome
3:18
First Beginnings
5:19
Misinformation and the Veracity of Content
13:36
Really Good Fakes
17:37
Preparing Companies
20:52
Advice
23:18
Outro
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Host Jeremy Hitchcock sits down with Michael Wishart, Chairman and CEO of eFabless.
Mike brings a wealth of experience to his role, having retired from a distinguished thirty-year career at Goldman Sachs, where he specialized in covering the technology industry as an investment banker. Currently serving on the board of Cypress Semiconductor, his extensive knowledge and strategic insights have also been evident during his tenure on the Spansion board.
Mike's expertise extends into the heart of the semiconductor industry, and his contributions have been instrumental in shaping its landscape. In this conversation, Mike will delve into the exciting Efabless Design Challenge, offering his unique perspective on the future of chip design and innovation.
0:00Introduction
0:42
Welcome
7:51
The Efabless Vision
11:40
Manufacturing Methodology
17:58
Community Designers
20:24
The CHIPS Act
26:51
Advice
29:27
Outro
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Host Jeremy Hitchcock sits down with Austin Gray, a defense entrepreneur currently working on his Masters in Public Administration at the Harvard Kennedy School. He also holds an MBA from MIT and a BA from Davidson College in Economics and Arab Studies.
Currently, he plays a pivotal role in Prototyping for the Kyiv Engineering Corps, a position that showcases his dedication to innovation and problem-solving. Prior to this, he served as an Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Navy, dedicating five years of his life to protecting national security and contributing to vital intelligence efforts.
0:01Introduction
0:44
Welcome
2:20
Business and Policy
7:14
Becoming an Entrepreneur
13:17
Lessons From Ukraine
21:41
Humans and AI in Combat Decision-making
25:57
Advice For Others
27:58
Outro
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Host Jeremy Hitchcock sits down with Tara Murphy Dougherty, CEO of Govini--a software company that modernizes the Defense Acquisition Process. Prior to her role as CEO, Tara served as Govini’s President of National Security, leading strategy and growth, and overseeing Govini’s work with all federal clients.
Tara has held leadership positions in technology across industry, government, and non-profit sectors, including at Palantir Technologies and serving as Chief of Staff for Global Strategic Affairs in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, among other senior roles. Tara holds a BS from the Georgia Institute of Technology and an MA in Security Studies from Georgetown University. She is a Term Member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
0:00Introduction
0:45
Welcome
5:07
Data Transformation in the DoD
11:02
Decision-Making in the Day to Day
16:14
Advice for Start-ups
20:40
Alternate Life Journey
23:58
Hope for the Future
27:30
Not-for-Profit Work
30:02
Outro
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