All Quiet on the Second Front

Season 3, Episode 49. In this special episode of All Quiet, Tyler joins Alexis Bonnell (CIO and Director of the Digital Capabilities Directorate, Department of the USAF), Bonnie Evangelista (Acting Chief Digital and AI Officer for Acquisitions, DoD), Jason Preisser (Director of Mission Services Officer, DARPA), and George Jackson (VP of Events, GovExec) for GovExec’s AI Spotlight webinar series. This episode highlights the DoD's role in the emerging AI landscape in government and some of the ways AI is already being utilized in their work and mission activities.

Season 3, Episode 48. In this episode of All Quiet, Tyler welcomes Joseph Larson, SVP and Chief of Staff at Anduril Industries, and former SES, Deputy Chief Digital and AI Officer (Algorithmic Warfare) at the DoD Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO). Joseph provides an in-depth analysis of the evolving landscape of modern warfare, the pivotal role of algorithmic warfare, and the intricate dance between rapid technological advancements and policy development. Drawing from his unique vantage point, Joseph discusses the integration of AI in defense mechanisms and the strategic shifts necessitated by recent global events, underscoring the importance of agility and innovation in national defense strategies.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Season 2, Episode 40. Today on All Quiet on the Second Front, Tyler welcomes Chris Hughes, President of Aquia, Chief Security Advisor at Endor Labs, and author of "Software Transparency." During the episode, Chris shares insights on the transformative power of technology, discussing its potential to bridge gaps and foster connections, and the challenges it poses to privacy and societal dynamics. From the ethics of technology to societal responsibilities, this episode offers an informative exploration of the digital frontiers we traverse daily, offering a renewed understanding of challenges and opportunities in our increasingly interconnected world.

Season 2, Episode 39. Today on All Quiet on the Second Front, Tyler Sweatt is joined by Dr. David A. Bray, a world-renowned tech leader and named one of "24 Americans Changing the World" by Business Insider. In the episode, Tyler and David share profound insights into the challenges posed by disinformation campaigns targeting public officials and emphasize the need for collaborative networks to counteract them. The conversation also weaves through the complexities of AI, data, and national security, with David shedding light on the significance of vetting data for reliability. Together, they examine the intersection of technology, governance, and societal trust for valuable perspectives on navigating the evolving landscape.

Season 2, Episode 38. This week on All Quiet, Tyler is joined by Concentric's CEO, Mike LeFever, and Executive Chairman, Roderick Jones. During the episode, Tyler, Mike, and Roderick explore the intricate intersection of geopolitics, capital markets, and cyber threats. They discuss a pivotal moment in U.S. public safety, the surge in defense technology investment, and the potential for private sector innovation. Mike and Roderick provide valuable insights into navigating uncertainty amid global conflicts and economic shifts, and they offer perspectives on trust-building and the evolving dynamics shaping our world today.

Season 2, Episode 37. Today on All Quiet, Tyler is joined by Tara Murphy Dougherty, CEO of Govini, a defense software company focused on the defense acquisition space. During the episode, Tara shares her unique journey, offering valuable insights into the challenges within the defense tech landscape. Tyler and Tara explore the pressing need for a paradigm shift, discussing the integration of modern technologies to enhance acquisition workflows. Tara's perspectives on the intersection of policy and technology, as well as the behavioral and cultural changes needed, provide a thought-provoking glimpse into the future of defense acquisitions.

Season 2, Episode 36. This week on All Quiet, Tyler is joined by Vance Serchuk, Executive Director of KKR Global Institute. During the episode, they discuss the thought-provoking and multifaceted landscape of geopolitics and national security. Vance's profound insights illuminate the diverse strengths of America, encompassing innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering patriotism. Amidst the challenges of divisive politics, Tyler and Vance’s conversation explores the global demand for American leadership and the intricate interplay between external threats and internal unity. Together, they engage in a nuanced exploration, gaining valuable perspectives on the evolving dynamics that shape the nation's pivotal role in the complex theater of geopolitics.

Season 2, Episode 35. In this episode, Tyler is joined by Nick Miller, AWS Marketplace Business Leader for the U.S. Federal Government. Together, they delve into challenges and opportunities in bringing commercial innovation to the public sector, and Nick shares sage advice for venture capitalists and non-traditional commercial ISVs entering defense, emphasizing alignment with hyper-scalers and streamlined procurement. Throughout the episode, Nick and Tyler reflect on the mission-driven nature of the public sector tech community and the unique challenges and opportunities within, including the strategic significance of partnerships, channels, and the power of collaboration.

Season 2, Episode 34. Today on All Quiet, Tyler sits down with Josh Marcuse, unraveling the nexus of technology, government, and community. Josh dives into the strategies for building bridges between the public and private sectors, emphasizing the importance of community-driven initiatives. Tyler and Josh discuss innovation ecosystems and public-private partnerships. Josh’s insights on Replicator sheds light on the collaborative approach to overcoming challenges in the tech-government landscape.

Season 2, Episode 32. In this episode of All Quiet, Tyler and cybersecurity expert Donnie Hasseltine enjoy an insightful conversation dissecting the multifaceted world of cybersecurity. Together, they explore strategies to understand and mitigate risks in the digital sphere. Donnie shares invaluable insights and approaches to navigating the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. This episode offers a comprehensive view of the complexities of cybersecurity while highlighting practical considerations to safeguard against potential vulnerabilities. This conversation is great for professionals and enthusiasts seeking to fortify their digital security practices.

Season 2, Episode 31. Tyler Sweatt is joined by Matt Zimmermann, CEO, and John Wargo, CTO, of Beast Code. In this episode, they unravel the nuances of the defense tech industry, emphasizing trust, transparency, and meaningful partnerships with government agencies. Matt and John explain how they tackle real-world challenges, focusing on authenticity and innovation, the role of data ownership, and the potential for a cultural shift in data sharing. Tyler, Matt, and John discuss the power of abstraction in bridging the government-tech gap and offer candid insights into the defense tech landscape, showcasing the potential for positive change in national security and government markets.

Today on All Quiet, Tyler is joined by Ryan Lewis, who brings his expertise on venture capital to explore the nuances of technology, national security, and investment. Ryan is currently Partner at SRI Ventures and serves on various boards across different tech sectors, which gives him a unique perspective on the intersection of finance and innovation. Tyler and Ryan cover the cyclical nature of tech trends, the challenges in the defense industrial base, and the complexities of involving both seasoned and newbie investors in aerospace ventures. Their conversation examines both the push for innovation and the realities of geopolitics and market conditions. Whether you're an investor or just intrigued by the confluence of tech and national security, this episode is packed with vital insights.

Season 2, episode 29. In the latest episode of All Quiet, Tyler and Robert Bassett Cross, Founder and CEO of Adarga, unpack Vantage, an AI tool that is revolutionizing defence data analysis. They discuss the challenges and effective strategies for entering the U.S. Defense market and why the AUKUS alliance is a frontier for innovation. The discussion also zeroes in on the critical need for interdepartmental teamwork,rapid tech adoption, and AI's role in national security.

Season 2, Episode 28. Today on All Quiet, Tyler chats with the accomplished Nick Sinai, author of "Hack Your Bureaucracy," senior advisor at Insight Partners, and adjunct faculty at Harvard University. Tyler and Nick get right to it and delve into defense innovation. Together, they discuss the transformative influence of venture capital and the melding of policy and action within the Department of Defense. Drawing from Nick's extensive experience, the discussion sheds light on many of today's defense challenges and the avenues for innovative solutions.

Season 2, Episode 27. Today on All Quiet, Tyler is joined by Ian Eishen, Director of the Global Public Sector for Aalyria, where Ian brings his seasoned public sector expertise from his 23-year active duty role with the Department of Defense. During the episode, Tyler and Ian do a deep dive into Ian's rich experience—from his roles in Intel and special operations to his present endeavors with Aalyria’s innovative communication technology. They highlight the intricacies of transitioning from a military background to the dynamic world of startups and emphasize the importance of continual learning and adaptability. They also touch on the challenges of melding the private sector with government frameworks and discuss their push towards a harmonious synergy that propels both sectors towards success.

In this episode of All Quiet, Tyler sits down with Ahmed Humayun, who leads the federal growth team at Applied Intuition. Their conversation explores the challenges of transitioning successful R&D projects into operational use within the government and the crucial aspect of trust in deploying autonomous systems. They also delve into systemic issues like the challenging requirements of the development process and the need for change management, advocating for a more agile and responsive ecosystem.

Season 2, Episode 25. Today on All Quiet, Enrique Oti and author of Hack Your Bureaucracy, Marina Nitze explore the real-world strategies for making government workflows more efficient and responsive. Marina shares her battle-tested strategies involving crisis management, process mapping, and incentive calibration to better navigate the bureaucratic maze.

Episode 24, Season 2. This week on All Quiet, Tyler chats with Bryon Kroger, Air Force veteran and Founder and CEO of Rise8. Together, they unpack the pitfalls of current risk management and cybersecurity in government operations and Bryon critiques the ATO process, advocating for a more agile, people-centric approach. Tyler and Bryon also delve into the buzz-worthy topic of software factories and the crucial role of HR in driving change. Bryon's insights serve as a call to action for rethinking how we approach tech in government.

Episode 23, Season 2. Today on All Quiet, Tyler and IntelliBridge's Mike Pansky annihilate clichés about working in defense tech and startups. Together, they question the status quo on systems integration and government contracts while emphasizing the game-changing power of teamwork. Mike’s quick takes on vulnerable supply chains and the new rules of warfare offers a fresh perspective and shakes up the market.

This week on All Quiet, Meagan Metzger, Founder and CEO of Dcode joins Tyler and shares her journey going from a tech-savvy taxpayer to a groundbreaking entrepreneur. Throughout the episode, Meagan gives a first-hand look at the realities of tech procurement in the government and where policy reform and leadership can create a well-oiled bureaucracy. Meagan’s vision for Dcode isn't just a company; it's to help get better tech to the sectors that need it, benefiting critical government missions and the public.

That’s a wrap for Season One of All Quiet on the Second Front. In this retrospective episode, Tyler takes you on a whirlwind tour of unforgettable encounters, recapping the conversations that flipped typical defense tech talk on its head, and resurfacing epic soundbites and key highlights from Season One episodes and guests. Tyler also gives a sneak peek into what's in store for the upcoming season. Hold on tight, you won't want to miss this.

In this episode of "All Quiet on the Second Front," Tyler is joined by cyber security expert and co-founder of Shift5, Mike Weigand. With extensive experience in establishing and commanding cyber organizations, Mike shares his journey from being one of the U.S. Army's first cyber operations officers to co-founding Shift5. Together, Mike and Tyler delve into the data-specific superpowers behind Shift5's success in helping defense, aviation, and rail industries build and maintain intelligent fleets. Mike reveals unique insights and unveils how a quest to solve a cyber problem led to the creation of a groundbreaking data company.

Today, Tyler is joined by goTenna's VP of Strategic Programs and Partnerships, Mike Bergen. goTenna is the world's leading mobile mesh networking company and provider of off-grid connectivity, so Mike knows a thing or two about what it takes to sustain success. In this episode, Mike and Tyler share what they have determined to be the ‘cheat codes’ for securing government contracts. If you’re looking to be one of the few that actually thrive beyond that first SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research), this is the episode for you.

Today on All Quiet, Tyler is joined by cyber nerd and UFO fanatic, Ron Gula. Ron is the President of Gula Tech Adventures, a cybersecurity company focused on cyber tech, cyber policy and recruiting people into the cyber workforce. In this episode, Ron guides us through a variety of thought-provoking topics to help us gain a better understanding of what cybersecurity is, how it’s used and why Ron’s such a firm believer in its power to unify.

In this electrifying episode of All Quiet, Tyler has a conversation with Jen Sovada, the President of Public Sector for SandboxAQ, a tech and data intelligence company that uses AI and quantum to solve global challenges. Given that quantum has everyone buzzing with both excitement and confusion, Jen tells us why she and her team have become so committed to educating consumers before they buy. She also breaks down how quantum, which has a tendency to come off as a distant dream, has already been revolutionizing industries behind the scenes for over a century.

Today on All Quiet, Tyler chats with Paul Vingoe, the Director of VinDo Technology Ltd, a management consulting firm created to deliver business development, customer success, and regional expertise for US companies entering the UK and European markets at reduced risk. In this conversation, we learn how Paul leverages his unique skill set, including his time as a Colonel in the British Army, to help US startups survive and thrive in the UK defence market by challenging the traditional approach to business development.

Today on the show, Tyler is joined by the former Chief Innovation Officer of USAID and soon-to-be member of the DoD, Alexis Bonnell. Throughout her admirable career, Alexis has become accustomed to forewarning others about the latest technology destined to change the landscape for good. First, it was the internet, now it’s AI. In this episode, we learn why Alexis is both excited—and terrified—for her next chapter with the DoD and how she intends to take initiative and remain adaptable as a leader while tackling the world’s most pressing challenges.

Today on All Quiet, Tyler is joined by Dave Ferris, the Director of Global Public Sector Capture at Interos Inc. Interos uses AI to help companies reinvent their supply chain management. By supplying data to help Interos’ AI tech helps reduce risk, avoid disruptions, and achieve superior enterprise adaptability. In this episode, Dave gives us supply chain 101 on how AI now has the power to give companies the ability to plan in advance of supply chain interferences in ways that were previously incalculable.

Today’s guest, Chip Colbert, is the Vice President for DOD and IC at Virtualitics, an advanced analytics company that helps enterprises and governments make smarter business decisions faster with ready-to-use AI that can be understood by analysts and business leaders alike. In this episode, you’ll hear Tyler and Chip bond over their fondness for the chaotic, often unstructured, nature of defense tech work. They also share how and why their perspectives and preferences have shifted over the years as they’ve become more callused in the fast-paced startup industry.

Today’s guest comes from the Second Front Systems team, the VP of sales, TJ Rowe. After completing his Engineering degree at West Point, TJ spent 7 years as an Infantry Officer with the Army, then carried his success over to the land of commercial real estate. It wasn’t too long before TJ returned to the world of defense, taking a position as the Director of Growth at Second Front. Now the VP of Sales, today’s conversation centers around the mindset and intangibles necessary to sell software to companies that can support scale.

With the continued advancement of machine learning models, it’s only a matter of time before we see the true value of unstructured data. In this episode, Tyler nerds out with Brian Raymond, the founder and CEO of Unstructured.IO, a software development company that’s helping businesses prepare for machine learning to start unlocking the power of their data. Brian took a non-linear career path, leaving a PhD program to work at the CIA and then the White House, followed by a humbling experience in the world of investment banking, to today where he is Founder/CEO of the machine learning startup Unstructured.io. Today, Brian tells us what needs to happen before machine learning models become mission-ready.

In today’s episode, Tyler sits with Ben Van Roo, the CEO and co-founder of Yurts Technologies Inc., an AI software development company based in the Bay Area. Ben and Tyler talk about the current AI landscape, how it may—or may not—be regulated, and ponder what the world may look like in 20 years. They also dive into general business strategy and what they believe this next gen of defense tech needs to know in order to sustain long-term success.

Today on the show, Tyler sits with Bonnie Evangelista, Tradewind Execution Lead at the DoD Chief Digital and AI Office. Bonnie’s procurement background gives us some unique insight into the federal contracting and acquisition process, from start to finish. In this episode, she passionately opens up about how the government has begun transforming conventional procurement models and mindsets in an effort to create new ways to streamline the deal-making process.

Today, Tyler chats with Lauren Hansen-Armendariz, a national security innovator and design thinking facilitator. Lauren recently concluded her service with the Army after nine years of active duty in the Army. Her last post was as the Innovation Officer within XVIII Airborne Corps, giving her a distinct perspective on the way the Defense department approaches innovation and technology use. In this episode, she opens up to Tyler about some changes, both tangible and philosophical, that she believes would serve both soldiers and the greater mission through boosting morale, increasing retention, and driving innovation at an unprecedented scale.

In this episode, Tyler chats with Paul Puckett, the Chief Technology Officer at Clarity, a small business software development company focused on redefining the way the government employs technology to help make our country, and world, a better place. Paul and Tyler nerd out over their passion for solving problems in tech and business alike, discussing the changes in philosophy and deployment that they believe can help support the missions of startups across the globe.

Today on All Quiet, Tyler sits with the Chief Technology Officer of Second Front Systems, a man he describes as the ‘Software Jesus of the Air Force,’ Enrique Oti. Enrique opens up about some of his blindspots throughout his career, why it’s important to note the distinction between innovation and creativity, as well as his excitement to continue to witness the rapid tactical changes caused by drones in combat.

In today’s episode, Tyler takes a step away from defense tech and welcomes in Harrison Smith and Molly Cain from the IRS. The three talk about the opportunities for commercial technology in federal agencies as well as some of the interesting transformation that this team is driving over at the IRS. Harrison and Molly open up about what it’s like to work together, how they aim to increase partnerships with startups, and why they are dedicated to making the tax experience more efficient, and enjoyable, for all parties involved.

Today on the show, Tyler chats about the path to working in defense tech with two of Silicon Valley Defense Group’s early-career employees, Dylan Mullins & Sarah Hess. The two shed light on some of the reasons behind the ongoing challenge of attracting and retaining young tech talent within the sphere of national security. They share their own stories, including the hiring process, as well as the pros and cons of working in this industry. Finally, they open up about why they chose to do government work and give their pitch for why defense is a viable, and admirable, destination for the next generation of tech workers.

Today Tyler talks with Mike Moreno, a former CIA Operations Officer who now works at the boundaries of technology and global stability within the public sector, VC community, startups and in his role with the business development team at Amazon Web Services (AWS). In this episode, Mike talks about how AWS aims to address limitations in the government’s willingness to accelerate the transition and support the scale of commercial tech.

Today on All Quiet, Tyler cracks a beer with James Cross, the managing director of Franklin Templeton and one of the co-founders of the Silicon Valley Defense Group (SVDG). They advocate for startups by explaining how current policy and the interest of the primes favors small businesses, as well as discussing James’ approach to venture capital and the importance of visible leadership by organizations like the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) . The two round out the show by offering up some policy changes that could help startups scale in the defense sector, and with James explaining why he wants to end his career in education, developing thought leadership and curriculum to guide the next generation of defense leaders.

Today on the show, Tyler is joined by the executive director at Silicon Valley Defense Group, venture partner at Franklin Venture Partners and former defense innovation extraordinaire, Sam Gray. Sam has a diverse background as a U.S. Navy pilot, then working in the Pentagon with some of the most pressing innovation challenges and some of the most prominent leaders, and now navigates both the private capital and non-profit sectors of defense tech. In this episode, Tyler and Sam take a deep dive into raising capital: from what makes startups attractive to venture capitalists, to everything you should and should not expect from a dedicated and educated VC, and a whole lot more. You’re bound to learn a thing or two, so you’d better get a pen and paper handy.

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 Systems’ Chief Revenue 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 Systems at SecondFront.com