New to Defense Mavericks? Start here
Defense Mavericks

Defense Mavericks

Welcome to Defense Mavericks, the podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government. Join us as we dive into authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds, offering a fresh perspective on how to gain an unfair advantage through the adoption of new, emerging technology. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge, education, and best practices you need to shorten the learning curve toward government transformation.

CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/

Tradewinds AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/

Recent Episodes

View all
Adoption vs. Invention: The Truth About DoD’s Innovation Challenge with Josh Marcuse
Jan. 21, 2025

Adoption vs. Invention: The Truth About DoD’s Innovation Challenge with Josh Marcuse

The real challenge for the Department of Defense (DoD) isn’t coming up with innovations. The DoD has a long history of celebrated innovators and has invested billions of dollars in research and development. So, what’s holdin…
From Warfighter to Technologist: The Shocking Skill Soldiers Are Mastering with Cathleen Rush
Jan. 14, 2025

From Warfighter to Technologist: The Shocking Skill Soldiers Are Mastering with Cathleen Rush

Have you ever wondered how AI and robotics are transforming the military? This week, Ryan Connell speaks with Cathleen Rush, Deputy of the Office of ARSOF Autonomy–a newly formed office within the U.S. Army Special Operation…
The Hard Truth About Startups in Defense Technology with Matthew Steckman
Jan. 7, 2025

The Hard Truth About Startups in Defense Technology with Matthew Steckman

What does it take to build a thriving startup in defense technology? In the world of startups, chaos is constant. But in the defense sector? It’s chaos with billion-dollar stakes. In this week’s episode of Defense Mavericks,…
How AI is Helping Tradewinds Revolutionize Defense Acquisitions
Dec. 17, 2024

How AI is Helping Tradewinds Revolutionize Defense Acquisitions

Are rigid acquisition processes slowing down your innovative solutions? Tradewinds is here to change that. This week on Defense Mavericks, I’m joined by Stephanie Wilson, Kristina Botelho, and Tony Kwag at this year’s NCMA C…
The Untold Role of Networking in National Security and Innovation
Dec. 10, 2024

The Untold Role of Networking in National Security and Innovation

Did you know the right network could be the DoD’s most powerful tool? In this week’s episode of Defense Mavericks, we’re joined by Jesse Levin, Executive Director of the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum (DEF); Jay Long, COO and F…
How 3D Printing is Shaping the Future of Military Logistics with Matt Pine
Dec. 3, 2024

How 3D Printing is Shaping the Future of Military Logistics with Matt Pine

Imagine a Marine stranded on an island, needing a critical part to continue their mission. What if that essential part could be produced on the spot? In this week’s episode of Defense Mavericks, we sit down with Matt Pine, I…
View all Episodes

About the Host

Ryan Connell Profile Photo

Ryan Connell

Host

Ryan Connell is the Director of Strategic Acquisition Operations in the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office. His mission is to support AI acquisition policy, AI experimentation, and the Tradewinds Solution Marketplace.