The Startup Defense
Episodes
Next-Generation Munitions, Defense Manufacturing, and WAR Inc. with Jon Williams
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From warfighter need to fielded effect: building a partner-led “ordnance nexus” that collapses the munition lifecycle (materials → manufact...
AI Gun Detection, Mission-driven Culture, and ZeroEyes with Sam Alaimo
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stopping threats before shots are fired: how ZeroEyes pairs computer vision with a 24/7 human verification layer to deliver actionable intel...
Defense Startups, Crossing the Valley, and Steam Studios with Noah Sheinbaum
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Startups can’t afford to be wrong on an 18-month cycle—and neither can the services or the acquisition system that supports them. Callye and Noah ...
Heads Down Building, Battlefield Autonomy, and Chaos Industries with Will Hurd
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Will Hurd joins Callye to break down autonomy at the tactical edge—and why time, not just tech, decides outcomes. He explains Chaos Industries’ ...
Distributed Space Edge Computing, On-orbit Autonomy, and Aethero with Edward Ge
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Edward Ge – Co-founder & CEO, Aethero. Building the Nvidia of space: why edge compute, autonomy, and distributed satellite clusters change every...
Connecting with Purpose, Defense Manufacturing, and Sustainment with Bret Boyd
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Callye Keen and Bret Boyd discuss the challenges and opportunities in the manufacturing sector, particularly in relation to supply chain management an...
Decision Dominance, Team Culture, and Smack Technologies with Andy Markoff
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Andy Markoff joins Callye to unpack why he left uniformed service to build Smack Technologies—and how his team is pursuing “decision dominance”:...
Collaborative Innovation, Dark Corners, and Mission Cultivate with Robert Fehlen
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Callye Keen interviews Robert Fehlen about his work with Mission Cultivate and Dark Corner Solutions. They discuss the importance of community and net...
Rapid Innovation, Manufacturing Transparency, and Authentise with Andre Wegner
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Andre Wegner believes the biggest choke-point in defense manufacturing isn’t hardware—it’s the months (or years) lost inside data-starved black ...
Kinetic Autonomous Counter UAS, Serial Entrepreneurship, and Allen Control Systems with Steve Simoni
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Callye Keen and Steve Simone discuss the evolving landscape of defense technology, particularly in countering unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Steve sha...
Speed of Relevance, Maritime Autonomy, and Defense Acquisition with Noam Oz
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Callye Keen interviews Noam Oz, a former director of innovation operations at Naval X, discussing his extensive background in defense and technology i...
Navigating Acquisition Changes, Rapid Prototyping, and Collaborative Compositions with Chelsea Meggitt
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Callye Keen and Chelsea Roberts (Meggitt) discuss the evolving landscape of the defense industry, particularly for small businesses. Chelsea shares in...
Human Capital, Informal Networks, and Defense Entrepreneurs Forum with Jesse Levin
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Callye Keen sits down with community-builder Jesse Levin to explore why people, not hardware, are the decisive edge in modern defense. From grassroots...
Market Intelligence, Defense Collaboration, and Pryzm with Matt Hawkins
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Callye Keen and Matt Hawkins discuss the evolving landscape of market intelligence in the defense sector, emphasizing the importance of relationships,...
Open-Source Intelligence, the Data Advantage, and Bazze with Sammy Semwangu
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Startup Defense, host Callye Keen speaks with Sammy Semwangu, founder and CEO of Bazze, an intelligence targeting and early war...
Strategic Communications, Government Relations, and Your Washington Office with Nic Adams
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Callye Keen interviews Nick Adams from Washington Office, discussing the intersection of technology and policy, particularly in the defense sector. Th...
Connecting Innovators and Military, Tightening the OODA Loop, and SigmaBlox with Paul "Gu$" Garcia
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Callye Keen and Paul Gus Garcia discuss the intersection of innovation and national security technology. They explore the challenges and opportunities...
TRANSEC, Developing Hard Tech, and Rampart with Keith Palmisano
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Callye Keen and Keith Palmisano discuss the innovative work being done at Rampart in the field of communication technology, particularly in defense ap...
Evolving Wireless Communications, Transitioning to Tech CEO, and SatCube with Chase Blanton
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Callye Keen interviews Chase Blanton from SatCube, delving into the evolving landscape of the space economy and advanced communications. They discuss ...
Evolving Careers, Democratizing Satellite Imagery, and SkyFi with Luke Fischer
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Callye Keen talks with Luke Fischer, CEO and co-founder of SkyFi, about democratizing satellite technology. Luke shares his journey from military se...
Collaboration, Intelligence, and Overwatch Imaging with Greg Davis
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Greg Davis, founder of Overwatch Imaging, shares insights into his journey from working in large aerospace companies to starting his own venture. He d...
Reindustrializing America, Democratize the Air, and Firestorm Labs with Dan Magy
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Startup Defense, Callye Keen sits down with Dan Magy, exited founder and CEO of Firestorm, to explore the future of UAVs, the r...
Streamlining DoD Innovation, Breaking Bureaucratic Barriers, and NSIN with David Schiff
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Startup Defense, host Callye Keen talks with David Schiff from the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN). They explore Da...
Real Non-Dilutive Funding, Champagne Problems, and Leonid Capital Partners with James Parker
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Startup Defense, host Callye Keen sits down with James Parker from Leonid Capital Partners to dive deep into the financial stra...
Asymmetric Innovation, Non-traditional Defense Contractors, and Nautilus with Graham Plaster
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Startup Defense, host Callye Keen welcomes Graham Plaster, the Director of Nautilus at Defensewerx. Graham discusses his passion fo...
Redefining Autonomy, Sibling Co-Founders, and Shield AI with Brandon Tseng
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of The Startup Defense, Callye Keen speaks with Brandon Tseng, former Navy SEAL and co-founder of Shield AI, a company at the forefron...
Nurturing Curiosity, Hacking for Defense, and Marine Innovation Unit with William Treseder
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Callye Keen speaks with William Treseder, Chief Strategy Officer at the Marine Innovation Unit and SVP at BMNT, a pivotal organization in the defense ...
Misson-Driven Innovation, Making the Improbable Possible, and Harpoon Ventures with Larsen Jensen
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary:In this episode of "The Startup Defense," Callye Keen sits down with Larsen Jensen, a former SEAL and Olympic athlete, who i...
Big Tech Enters Defense, Tracking AI Disruption, and Startup Success with Robert Shelton
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Robert Shelton, a retired tech industry professional, discusses his passion for artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on variou...
Near-shoring in Mexico, Southern California Manufacturing Renaissance, and SEACOMP with Terry Arbaugh
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This conversation explores the shift from manufacturing in China to Mexico, particularly in the context of the Southern California manufacturing renai...
Defense Tech Misconceptions, Detangling the Sales Process, and Using AI to Speed Proposals with John Ferry
21 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to The Startup Defense, in this week’s episode Callye Keen talks with John Ferry about innovation in government contracting. Ferry shar...
National Defense Data Analytics, Building Talented Teams, and Royce Geo with Dave Sterling
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dave Sterling of Royce Geo and Callye Keen (Kform) discuss the fusion of commercial technology, complex data, and national security. Sterling's u...
Remote Work Cybersecurity, AI Business Automation, and Capital Presence with Roy Edwards
29 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In EP032 of "The Startup Defense," host Callye Keen engages with Roy Edwards, an expert in business automation and remote work. This insight...
Speaking Defense Funding, AFWERX as a Catalyst, and Gallium Solutions with Eric Frahm
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the riveting EP031 of "The Startup Defense," host Callye Keen engages with Eric Frahm from Gallium Solutions. This episode unveils the tr...
Investing in Veterans, Founder and Startup Team Resilience, and TFX Capital with Brandon Shelton
15 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join host Callye Keen in an insightful conversation with Brandon Shelton, founder of TFX Capital, as they delve into the unique world of venture cap...
AI Defense Manufacturing, Enabling Versus Eliminating, and the Problem-centric Approach with Terry Miller
08 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this engaging episode of "The Startup Defense," Callye Keen delves into the fascinating realm of AI and generative modeling in the manufa...
Product-Market Fit, Engaging the Defense Industrial Base, and Evangelical Social Proof with Mark Holden
01 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Callye Keen engages with Mark Holden, a defense innovation expert in an insightful discussion on innovation in the defense industry. ...
Prototyping as a Foundation, Bootstrapping Startups, and Matbock with Sean Matson
25 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join host Callye Keen in this insightful episode featuring Sean Matson, co-founder of MATBOCK. Sean's journey from a Navy SEAL to a successful en...
Army Software Factory, CMMC Impact, and ATX Defense with Zach Walker
18 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of "The Startup Defense," hosted by Callye Keen, we delve into the complex world of cybersecurity and defense innovation. Jo...
Innovation to Implementation, Defense Market Presence, and Community Power with Art Trevethan
11 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Callye Keen engages in an educational conversation with Art Trevethan, unraveling the intricate layers of defense innovation, entrepreneurship, and th...
Silicon Valley Meets Defense, Strategic Collaboration, and Dual-Use with Andrew Glenn
04 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when Silicon Valley intersects with the defense industry? Host Callye Keen and guest Andrew Glenn set out to answer this question. Andrew...
Digital Twin, DoD Legacy Systems, and Beast Code with Matt Zimmermann and John McCrea
27 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Callye Keen sits down with Matt Zimmermann and John McCrea from Beast Code to dive into the evolving landscape of defense technology. They explore the...
Innovation Bootcamp, Leadership Development, and Building Momentum with Brad Halsey
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Callye Keen sits down with the insightful Brad Halsey to delve into the dynamics of modern technological advancements, from the power of speed in comb...
Hidden Value, Democratizing Data Analytics, and Night Shift Development with Tim Tutt
13 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Callye Keen and Tim Tutt navigate the intricate landscape of data analytics. Highlighting the latent promise of expansive datasets, they illuminate ho...
Transformative Tech, Surviving the Valley of Death, and Army Applications Lab with Tony Williams
06 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Callye Keen interviews Tony Williams from the Army Applications Lab (AAL) about the innovation and disruption happening within the defense industry. T...
Investable Startups, Emerging Defense Technologies, and Shield Capital with David Rothzeid
30 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Step into the future of defense technology and venture capitalism as David Rothzeid, a seasoned Air Force veteran with 13 years of experience, guides ...
Tech Scouting, Adversarial Capital, and the Defense Investor Network with Heather Jo Richman
23 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Callye Keen sits down with Heather Richman to discuss the transformation of defense programs into sustainable ventures, the significance of private ca...
Venture Capital, User Stories, and Decoding the Defense Industry with Meg Vorland (Dcode)
16 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine if the complexities of government tech adoption, the disruption caused by AI and ML, and the power of compelling user stories were all decoded...
Robotics, Customer Focus, and Academia to Entrepreneurship with Matt Bilsky
09 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Callye Keen as he engages with inventive engineer and entrepreneur, Matt Bilsky. From innovative product design to the challenges of running a su...
Disrupting Fiefdoms, Rapid Growth, and Fenix Group with Dave Peterson
02 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this engaging conversation, Callye Keen is joined by Dave Peterson, a defense entrepreneur with a wealth of knowledge in defense startups. Their li...
Big Aerospace, Countering Drones with EMP, and Spartan Radar with Nathan Mintz
26 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Callye Keen engages with tech entrepreneur Nathan Mintz, known for his excellent ability to attract and develop talent. A discussion on successful tea...
Artificial Intelligence, Open-Source Security, and Defense Unicorns with Rob Slaughter
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary:Callye Keen discusses the complexities and challenges facing defense technology innovation with guest Rob Slaughter. They explore the ...
Magic Cloaks, Paper Clip Problems, and the Art of Navigating Defense Entrepreneurship with Trish Martinelli
12 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary:In an enlightening conversation with Trish Martinelli, Callye Keen delves into the heart of problem-solving within the realm of defens...
Default Laziness, Innovation Culture, and the Outsourcing Trap with Michael Meyer
05 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary:In a thought-provoking dialogue, host Callye Keen engages with Michael Meyer, an intrapreneur innovator, in discussing the complex int...
Innovation in Action: The Role of Manufacturing in Realizing Ideas with Russell Waddell
28 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary:In this captivating conversation, host Callye Keen engages with his guest, Russell Waddell, in a deep dive into the world of manufactu...
Shaping the Future of Defense Technology with Startups and Army Futures Command with Andy Yakulis
21 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary:Host Callye Keen converses with Andy Yakulis, expert in defense innovation, discussing how startups can navigate and leverage the defe...
AI Driven Unmanned Vehicle Mission Autonomy with Pramod Raheja
14 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: Callye Keen sits down with Pramod Raheja, the co-founder and CEO of Airgility, a company pioneering drone and aerial robotics technol...
Developing the National Talent and Innovation Pipeline with Alex Gallo
31 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: Host Callye Keen welcomes Alex Gallo, Co-Founder of the Common Mission Project, in an insightful conversation that elucidates the con...
Commercializing Technology for the Emerging Space Economy
17 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary:Callye Keen hosts Kelli Kedis Ogborn, a space industry expert, to delve deep into the burgeoning opportunities in the space sector. Th...
Funding Startups using Innovation Challenges with Jade Garrett
26 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Host Callye Keen discusses funding through challenges and accelerator programs for startups with guest Jade Garrett. Together, Garrett and Keen are in...
The Internet of Military Things (IoMT) Adoption and Opportunity
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Host Callye Keen discusses the Internet of Things (IOT), which has revolutionized the way we interact with our environment. Diving deeper, Callye hone...
Hacking for Defense and Lean Startup in the DoD with Pete Newell
12 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Host Callye Keen speaks with Pete Newell, CEO of BMNT, a venture firm that focuses on solving complex national security problems through innovation. N...
Manufacturing Data, Digital Twin, and Cybersecurity with Tim Shinbara
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this second episode of The Startup Defense, host Callye Keen and guest Tim Shinbara, Chief Technology Officer of AMT – The Association For Manufa...
Machine Vision and Sensor Systems Changing Public Safety with Chad Green
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Startup Defense podcast with host Callye Keen and guest Chad Green, an engineer working to make our roads, hos...
Introduction to The Startup Defense Podcast
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the introductory episode of The Startup Defense podcast with host Callye Keen. In this episode, Callye explains the motivation behind start...