America Builds Wed, 13 May 2026 00:53:29 -0600 https://www.americabuildspodcast.com/abp en-us © 2026 America Builds yes 7f3ab36b-41fd-5c31-aae3-ab79288f82b1 America Builds episodic false The America Builds podcast sits at the nexus of national security, technology, and venture capital. We highlight the brilliant operators and investors pushing the boundaries of frontier technology.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) america builds,manufacturing,technology,startup,engineering,tech America Builds https://storage.buzzsprout.com/9nd7o46lzrxzu7j5nedxrsodp9d9?.jpg America Builds https://www.americabuildspodcast.com/abp Hayley Menser Will Allen 039: Congressman Gabe Amo 039: Congressman Gabe Amo Congressman Gabe Amo is the U.S. representative for Rhode Island's 1st congressional district.

Our conversation touches on public service and the importance of engaging with constituents, the unique story of Rhode Island, and the strategic significance of the "blue economy." We also get into national security, discussing the state of NATO, the implications of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the challenges posed by China, particularly regarding Taiwan.


Outline

02:43 The journey into public service
05:24 Engaging with constituents
11:01 Understanding the blue economy
15:44 National security and the navy
19:02 Insights from the Foreign Affairs Committee
21:51 The importance of Ukraine
24:53 The state of NATO
28:07 Taiwan and China
31:10 Personal reflections and recommendations

]]> Congressman Gabe Amo is the U.S. representative for Rhode Island's 1st congressional district.

Our conversation touches on public service and the importance of engaging with constituents, the unique story of Rhode Island, and the strategic significance of the "blue economy." We also get into national security, discussing the state of NATO, the implications of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the challenges posed by China, particularly regarding Taiwan.


Outline

02:43 The journey into public service
05:24 Engaging with constituents
11:01 Understanding the blue economy
15:44 National security and the navy
19:02 Insights from the Foreign Affairs Committee
21:51 The importance of Ukraine
24:53 The state of NATO
28:07 Taiwan and China
31:10 Personal reflections and recommendations

]]> Will Allen and Hayley Menser Buzzsprout-16697938 Mon, 03 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0700 2061 full false 038: Bilal Zuberi, Lux Capital 038: Bilal Zuberi, Lux Capital We are wrapping up season 3 of America Builds with Bilal Zuberi from Lux Capital. 

]]> We are wrapping up season 3 of America Builds with Bilal Zuberi from Lux Capital. 

]]> Will Allen and Hayley Menser Buzzsprout-15183406 Mon, 03 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0600 3086 3 9 full false 037: Sarah Adams, CIA Targeter 037: Sarah Adams, CIA Targeter In this conversation, Sarah, a former CIA officer, discusses her experience in targeting and tracking terrorists. She shares insights from her book on Benghazi and explains the career trajectory of a targeter. Sarah highlights the importance of human intelligence and the challenges of using open source intelligence. 

]]> In this conversation, Sarah, a former CIA officer, discusses her experience in targeting and tracking terrorists. She shares insights from her book on Benghazi and explains the career trajectory of a targeter. Sarah highlights the importance of human intelligence and the challenges of using open source intelligence. 

]]> Will Allen and Hayley Menser Buzzsprout-15107885 Tue, 21 May 2024 07:00:00 -0600 2414 3 8 full false 036: Tess Hatch, Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners 036: Tess Hatch, Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners Tess Hatch is a Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners.

]]> Tess Hatch is a Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners.

]]> Will Allen and Hayley Menser Buzzsprout-15011228 Sun, 05 May 2024 09:00:00 -0600 1504 3 7 full false 035: Jon Pelson, China Expert 035: Jon Pelson, China Expert Jon Pelson is a China expert and the author of "Wireless Wars: China's Dangerous Domination of 5G and How We're Fighting Back."

]]> Jon Pelson is a China expert and the author of "Wireless Wars: China's Dangerous Domination of 5G and How We're Fighting Back."

]]> Will Allen and Hayley Menser Buzzsprout-14918866 Sun, 21 Apr 2024 08:00:00 -0600 2973 3 6 full false 034: Fitness and National Security with Don Faul, CEO of CrossFit 034: Fitness and National Security with Don Faul, CEO of CrossFit Don Faul is the CEO of CrossFit and a USMC veteran. He has also held operating roles at Pinterest, Meta, and Google.

]]> Don Faul is the CEO of CrossFit and a USMC veteran. He has also held operating roles at Pinterest, Meta, and Google.

]]> Will Allen and Hayley Menser Buzzsprout-14793322 Sun, 31 Mar 2024 17:00:00 -0600 2181 3 5 full false 033: John Gedmark, CEO and Co-Founder of Astranis 033: John Gedmark, CEO and Co-Founder of Astranis John Gedmark is the CEO and co-founder of Astranis, a satellite company.

]]> John Gedmark is the CEO and co-founder of Astranis, a satellite company.

]]> Will Allen and Hayley Menser Buzzsprout-14751444 Sat, 23 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0600 2409 3 4 full false 032: Steve Bowsher, President & CEO of In-Q-Tel 032: Steve Bowsher, President & CEO of In-Q-Tel President and CEO Steve Bowsher describes the history and mission of In-Q-Tel, the original gangster of national security investing.

]]> President and CEO Steve Bowsher describes the history and mission of In-Q-Tel, the original gangster of national security investing.

]]> Will Allen and Hayley Menser Buzzsprout-14703118 Sat, 16 Mar 2024 20:00:00 -0600 2203 3 3 full false 031: Michael Easter, #1 NYT Bestselling Author of Scarcity Brain and The Comfort Crisis 031: Michael Easter, #1 NYT Bestselling Author of Scarcity Brain and The Comfort Crisis Michael Easter is the New York Times bestselling author of Scarcity Brain and The Comfort Crisis. He has spent his career researching and writing about mental and physical health, performance, nutrition, fitness, mindset, toughness, the value of challenge and adventure, and much more.

]]> Michael Easter is the New York Times bestselling author of Scarcity Brain and The Comfort Crisis. He has spent his career researching and writing about mental and physical health, performance, nutrition, fitness, mindset, toughness, the value of challenge and adventure, and much more.

]]> Will Allen and Hayley Menser Buzzsprout-14657521 Sat, 09 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0700 2227 michael easter, scarcity brain, the comfort crisis 3 2 full false 030: Josh Wolfe, Founder and Managing Director at Lux Capital 030: Josh Wolfe, Founder and Managing Director at Lux Capital Josh Wolfe is the founder and Managing Director at Lux Capital.

]]> Josh Wolfe is the founder and Managing Director at Lux Capital.

]]> Will Allen and Hayley Menser Buzzsprout-14419289 Sun, 03 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0700 1736 3 1 full false 029: Global Resilience with Paul Kwan, Managing Director at General Catalyst 029: Global Resilience with Paul Kwan, Managing Director at General Catalyst Paul is a managing director at General Catalyst. He leads the Global Resilience team, focused on modernizing critical societal systems including defense, intelligence, industrial and energy.

]]> Paul is a managing director at General Catalyst. He leads the Global Resilience team, focused on modernizing critical societal systems including defense, intelligence, industrial and energy.

]]> America Builds Buzzsprout-14259185 Sat, 06 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0700 2299 paul kwan,general catalyst 2 12 full false 028: Even Rogers, CEO and Co-Founder of True Anomaly 028: Even Rogers, CEO and Co-Founder of True Anomaly Even Rogers is the co-founder and CEO of True Anomaly, a venture-backed space technology startup.

]]> Even Rogers is the co-founder and CEO of True Anomaly, a venture-backed space technology startup.

]]> America Builds Buzzsprout-14157630 Sun, 17 Dec 2023 20:00:00 -0700 1879 true anomaly, even rogers 2 11 full false 027: David Ulevitch, GP at Andreessen Horowitz 027: David Ulevitch, GP at Andreessen Horowitz David Ulevitch is an entrepreneur and investor. As a General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz, he leads the firm’s American Dynamism practice, which focuses on investing in companies advancing American interests.

]]> David Ulevitch is an entrepreneur and investor. As a General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz, he leads the firm’s American Dynamism practice, which focuses on investing in companies advancing American interests.

]]> America Builds Buzzsprout-14120547 Sun, 10 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0700 2449 david ulevitch, andreessen horowitz, a16z 2 10 full false 026: Nick Sinai, Senior Advisor at Insight Partners 026: Nick Sinai, Senior Advisor at Insight Partners Nick Sinai is a Senior Advisor at Insight Partners, Adjunct & Senior Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, and author of Hack Your Bureaucracy: Get Things Done No Matter What Your Role on Any Team.

]]> Nick Sinai is a Senior Advisor at Insight Partners, Adjunct & Senior Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, and author of Hack Your Bureaucracy: Get Things Done No Matter What Your Role on Any Team.

]]> America Builds Buzzsprout-14113427 Fri, 08 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0700 2241 2 9 full false 025: How to Lobby the Government, with Paul Arcangeli 025: How to Lobby the Government, with Paul Arcangeli Paul Arcangeli is a national security expert, with over three decades of public sector defense experience. He served as an officer in the United States Army, as a Department of Defense civilian, and as a professional staffer to the House of Representatives. Paul spent 18 years on the House Armed Services Committee, including more than a decade as staff director.

]]> Paul Arcangeli is a national security expert, with over three decades of public sector defense experience. He served as an officer in the United States Army, as a Department of Defense civilian, and as a professional staffer to the House of Representatives. Paul spent 18 years on the House Armed Services Committee, including more than a decade as staff director.

]]> America Builds Buzzsprout-14077640 Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0700 2385 2 8 full false 024: Dan Gwak, Managing Partner and Head of Point72 Private Investments 024: Dan Gwak, Managing Partner and Head of Point72 Private Investments Daniel Gwak is the Managing Partner of Point72 Private Investments, the institutional private investing business of Point72 Asset Management. He oversees Point72 Ventures’ Defense Tech and Growth investment teams.

]]> Daniel Gwak is the Managing Partner of Point72 Private Investments, the institutional private investing business of Point72 Asset Management. He oversees Point72 Ventures’ Defense Tech and Growth investment teams.

]]> America Builds Buzzsprout-14030776 Mon, 27 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0700 2448 2 7 full false 023: Dan Brahmy on Israel, Hamas, and Social Threat Intelligence 023: Dan Brahmy on Israel, Hamas, and Social Threat Intelligence Dan Brahmy is the Co-Founder & CEO of Cyabra, a social threat intelligence company.

]]> Dan Brahmy is the Co-Founder & CEO of Cyabra, a social threat intelligence company.

]]> America Builds Buzzsprout-14001260 Sun, 19 Nov 2023 20:00:00 -0700 2245 2 6 full false 022: Dr. Carl McCants, Special Assistant to the Director at DARPA 022: Dr. Carl McCants, Special Assistant to the Director at DARPA Dr. Carl McCants is the special assistant to the DARPA director for microelectronics policy. He serves as DARPA’s top advisor on the agency’s Electronics Resurgence Initiative and the National Network for Microelectronics Research and Development, among other key investments in microelectronics for national security.

]]> Dr. Carl McCants is the special assistant to the DARPA director for microelectronics policy. He serves as DARPA’s top advisor on the agency’s Electronics Resurgence Initiative and the National Network for Microelectronics Research and Development, among other key investments in microelectronics for national security.

]]> America Builds Buzzsprout-13929797 Mon, 13 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0700 2620 2 5 full false 021: Matthew Gialich, Co-Founder and CEO of AstroForge 021: Matthew Gialich, Co-Founder and CEO of AstroForge Matthew Gialich is the co-founder and CEO of Astroforge, an asteroid mining company.

]]> Matthew Gialich is the co-founder and CEO of Astroforge, an asteroid mining company.

]]> America Builds Buzzsprout-13783817 Sun, 29 Oct 2023 19:00:00 -0600 1911 2 4 full false 020: Don Burnette, Founder and CEO of Kodiak Robotics 020: Don Burnette, Founder and CEO of Kodiak Robotics Don Burnette is the founder and CEO of Kodiak Robotics, which builds advanced autonomous technology for long-haul trucking.

]]> Don Burnette is the founder and CEO of Kodiak Robotics, which builds advanced autonomous technology for long-haul trucking.

]]> America Builds Buzzsprout-13783755 Sun, 22 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0600 2339 2 3 full false 019: Rosa Hathaway, Aerospace Engineer and Investor at Atento Capital 019: Rosa Hathaway, Aerospace Engineer and Investor at Atento Capital Rosa Hathaway is an aerospace engineer and investor at Atento Capital.

]]> Rosa Hathaway is an aerospace engineer and investor at Atento Capital.

]]> America Builds Buzzsprout-13782668 Mon, 16 Oct 2023 16:00:00 -0600 2383 2 2 full false 018: Ian Cinnamon, CEO and Co-Founder of Apex 018: Ian Cinnamon, CEO and Co-Founder of Apex Ian Cinnamon is the founder and CEO of Apex, a spacecraft manufacturing company based in Los Angeles.

]]> Ian Cinnamon is the founder and CEO of Apex, a spacecraft manufacturing company based in Los Angeles.

]]> America Builds Buzzsprout-13726307 Sun, 08 Oct 2023 19:00:00 -0600 2666 2 1 full false 017: Season 1 Highlights 017: Season 1 Highlights Thank you for tuning in for Season 1 of the America Builds Podcast (now the Launch Pad Podcast). We have exciting plans for Season 2, coming soon. In the meantime, please enjoy some highlights from this season.

]]> Thank you for tuning in for Season 1 of the America Builds Podcast (now the Launch Pad Podcast). We have exciting plans for Season 2, coming soon. In the meantime, please enjoy some highlights from this season.

]]> America Builds Podcast Buzzsprout-13614032 Sun, 10 Sep 2023 14:00:00 -0600 1680 1 16 bonus false 016: Sam Gray, Executive Director of Silicon Valley Defense Group 016: Sam Gray, Executive Director of Silicon Valley Defense Group Sam Gray is the Executive Director of the Silicon Valley Defense Group, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering connections among people, technology, and capital to secure the US and its allies' technological edge. Sam is a retired Naval Officer, and as a fighter pilot, he deployed 7 times in the Pacific and Middle East. Sam co-founded NavalX, the Navy and Marine Corps innovation office, where he spearheaded its growth from a single office to 15 across the US and UK. His prior roles include managing aerospace procurement for the Under Secretary of Defense, strategic planning focused on China at Pacific Command, and serving as the commanding officer of an F/A-18 squadron based in Japan. Sam has a degree in history from The Ohio State University and a Master's in National Security and Strategic Studies from the US Naval War College.


]]> Sam Gray is the Executive Director of the Silicon Valley Defense Group, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering connections among people, technology, and capital to secure the US and its allies' technological edge. Sam is a retired Naval Officer, and as a fighter pilot, he deployed 7 times in the Pacific and Middle East. Sam co-founded NavalX, the Navy and Marine Corps innovation office, where he spearheaded its growth from a single office to 15 across the US and UK. His prior roles include managing aerospace procurement for the Under Secretary of Defense, strategic planning focused on China at Pacific Command, and serving as the commanding officer of an F/A-18 squadron based in Japan. Sam has a degree in history from The Ohio State University and a Master's in National Security and Strategic Studies from the US Naval War College.


]]> America Builds Podcast Buzzsprout-13444219 Sun, 03 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0600 2698 1 16 full false 015: Michael Palank, General Partner at MaC Venture Capital 015: Michael Palank, General Partner at MaC Venture Capital Michael Palank has been General Partner at MaC Venture Capital since its inception in January 2019. Michael focuses on seed-stage consumer and enterprise startup investing across a number of sectors, including aerospace.

]]> Michael Palank has been General Partner at MaC Venture Capital since its inception in January 2019. Michael focuses on seed-stage consumer and enterprise startup investing across a number of sectors, including aerospace.

]]> America Builds Podcast Buzzsprout-13466573 Sun, 27 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0600 2470 1 15 full false 014: Ben Kohlmann, Early-Stage Defense & Energy Investor at Cubit Capital 014: Ben Kohlmann, Early-Stage Defense & Energy Investor at Cubit Capital As an early-stage defense and energy investor, Ben supports courageous founders tackling substantial problems. Formerly a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot, Ben founded the Chief of Naval Operations Rapid Innovation Cell. His entrepreneurial spirit also led him to co-found the non-profit Defense Entrepreneurs Forum, which now boasts over 2,500 members. As the CEO of a startup called Farcast, he used technology to deliver critical supplies to complex geographies, and during his time at McKinsey, he drove transformation within the energy and public sectors. Ben's passion also extends to podcasting, where he hosts "Texas Rising," exploring the growth within the Lone Star State, and the prior show "A Random Walk with Ben Kohlmann."

]]> As an early-stage defense and energy investor, Ben supports courageous founders tackling substantial problems. Formerly a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot, Ben founded the Chief of Naval Operations Rapid Innovation Cell. His entrepreneurial spirit also led him to co-found the non-profit Defense Entrepreneurs Forum, which now boasts over 2,500 members. As the CEO of a startup called Farcast, he used technology to deliver critical supplies to complex geographies, and during his time at McKinsey, he drove transformation within the energy and public sectors. Ben's passion also extends to podcasting, where he hosts "Texas Rising," exploring the growth within the Lone Star State, and the prior show "A Random Walk with Ben Kohlmann."

]]> America Builds Podcast Buzzsprout-13445659 Mon, 21 Aug 2023 14:00:00 -0600 3064 1 14 full false 013: Lior Susan, Founder and Managing Partner at Eclipse Ventures 013: Lior Susan, Founder and Managing Partner at Eclipse Ventures Lior Susan, the Founder and Managing Partner of Eclipse Ventures, has dedicated his career to rearchitecting industries crucial to our lives and economies. Growing up on a kibbutz and serving in the Israeli Special Forces, Lior is an unlikely venture capitalist. From building Intucell, which was acquired by Cisco, to leading Flex's hardware investment platform, his diverse background has shaped his commitment to digital transformation. With Eclipse, Lior partners with entrepreneurs reshaping industries, and serves on the boards of companies like Bright Machines, Augury, and Owlet. A relentless optimist, Lior sees the need for a new economy and is devoted to building it.

]]> Lior Susan, the Founder and Managing Partner of Eclipse Ventures, has dedicated his career to rearchitecting industries crucial to our lives and economies. Growing up on a kibbutz and serving in the Israeli Special Forces, Lior is an unlikely venture capitalist. From building Intucell, which was acquired by Cisco, to leading Flex's hardware investment platform, his diverse background has shaped his commitment to digital transformation. With Eclipse, Lior partners with entrepreneurs reshaping industries, and serves on the boards of companies like Bright Machines, Augury, and Owlet. A relentless optimist, Lior sees the need for a new economy and is devoted to building it.

]]> America Builds Podcast Buzzsprout-13396495 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0600 2211 1 13 full false 012: Will Gray, Managing Partner at Atento Capital 012: Will Gray, Managing Partner at Atento Capital In this episode, we talk with Will Gray, a Tulsa-born tennis enthusiast who combined his love for the sport with a keen business acumen to build a thriving career. From his early days on the tennis courts to his academic pursuits at the University of Tulsa, and his subsequent career in venture capital, Will's story is one of ambition, hard work, and community involvement.

]]> In this episode, we talk with Will Gray, a Tulsa-born tennis enthusiast who combined his love for the sport with a keen business acumen to build a thriving career. From his early days on the tennis courts to his academic pursuits at the University of Tulsa, and his subsequent career in venture capital, Will's story is one of ambition, hard work, and community involvement.

]]> America Builds Podcast Buzzsprout-13308572 Sun, 06 Aug 2023 01:00:00 -0600 2061 1 12 full false 011: Jake Leventhal, Ecommerce and SpaceX 011: Jake Leventhal, Ecommerce and SpaceX Jake Leventhal is currently the CTO of Rip Technologies. Previously, he worked at SpaceX for 4 years, and founded his own ecommerce company. Jake has a Bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California.

]]> Jake Leventhal is currently the CTO of Rip Technologies. Previously, he worked at SpaceX for 4 years, and founded his own ecommerce company. Jake has a Bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California.

]]> America Builds Podcast Buzzsprout-13313755 Sat, 29 Jul 2023 18:00:00 -0600 1761 1 11 full false 010: Michael Moreno, Deep Tech VC and Former CIA 010: Michael Moreno, Deep Tech VC and Former CIA Michael Moreno's background in deep tech startups and national security makes him the perfect person for a conversation about global security and resilience. Mike has over a decade of service with the US government in roles within the CIA, DOD, and Department of State. Currently, he works on Space and National Security on the Worldwide Public Sector VC and Startups team and AWS. He's also a founding board member of Sound Off, a pro bono mental health platform for veterans. Mike has an MBA from Berkeley and a Master's in International Affairs from Columbia University.

]]> Michael Moreno's background in deep tech startups and national security makes him the perfect person for a conversation about global security and resilience. Mike has over a decade of service with the US government in roles within the CIA, DOD, and Department of State. Currently, he works on Space and National Security on the Worldwide Public Sector VC and Startups team and AWS. He's also a founding board member of Sound Off, a pro bono mental health platform for veterans. Mike has an MBA from Berkeley and a Master's in International Affairs from Columbia University.

]]> America Builds Podcast Buzzsprout-13260249 Sun, 23 Jul 2023 01:00:00 -0600 2648 1 10 full false 009: Alexander Harstrick, Partner at J2 Ventures 009: Alexander Harstrick, Partner at J2 Ventures Alex is a Managing Partner at J2 Ventures. His diverse career has seen him build the enterprise venture investing arm at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, serve as a Military Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve, and contribute to national security through his work at the Defense Innovation Unit and AFWERX. As a reservist he managed the DIU's investment efforts in deep tech through its early-stage funding vehicle, National Security Innovation Capital. Alex has a B.A. from Columbia University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

]]> Alex is a Managing Partner at J2 Ventures. His diverse career has seen him build the enterprise venture investing arm at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, serve as a Military Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve, and contribute to national security through his work at the Defense Innovation Unit and AFWERX. As a reservist he managed the DIU's investment efforts in deep tech through its early-stage funding vehicle, National Security Innovation Capital. Alex has a B.A. from Columbia University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

]]> America Builds Podcast Buzzsprout-13229677 Mon, 17 Jul 2023 01:00:00 -0600 3189 1 9 full false 008: Kristen Hajduk, National Security Professional & Entrepreneur 008: Kristen Hajduk, National Security Professional & Entrepreneur Kristen Hajduk is an expert in national security and defense policies, currently helping tech companies work with the DOD and IC. Her illustrious career spans across critical roles in the DOD, Special Operations Command, and the National Security Innovation Network. She also co-founded No Exceptions, an initiative instrumental in opening all military positions to women who meet the standard.

]]> Kristen Hajduk is an expert in national security and defense policies, currently helping tech companies work with the DOD and IC. Her illustrious career spans across critical roles in the DOD, Special Operations Command, and the National Security Innovation Network. She also co-founded No Exceptions, an initiative instrumental in opening all military positions to women who meet the standard.

]]> America Builds Podcast Buzzsprout-13174176 Mon, 10 Jul 2023 01:00:00 -0600 2272 1 8 full false 007: Armando Torres, Custom Fabrication and Metal Tech Manager 007: Armando Torres, Custom Fabrication and Metal Tech Manager Armando Torres is a small business leader in the steel fabrication and manufacturing industry, working as a Custom Fabrication and Metal Tech Manager in North Carolina. He previously served in the United States Marine Corps and received a BS from the United States Naval Academy.

]]> Armando Torres is a small business leader in the steel fabrication and manufacturing industry, working as a Custom Fabrication and Metal Tech Manager in North Carolina. He previously served in the United States Marine Corps and received a BS from the United States Naval Academy.

]]> America Builds Podcast Buzzsprout-12773232 Mon, 03 Jul 2023 01:00:00 -0600 2462 manufacturing, navy, usna 1 7 full false 006: Ethan Batraski, Partner at Venrock 006: Ethan Batraski, Partner at Venrock Ethan Batraski is a partner at Venrock, focusing on data infrastructure, developer tools, and hard engineering problems, including space and computing.

]]> Ethan Batraski is a partner at Venrock, focusing on data infrastructure, developer tools, and hard engineering problems, including space and computing.

]]> America Builds Podcast Buzzsprout-13097266 Mon, 26 Jun 2023 01:00:00 -0600 2902 ethan batraski,venrock,venture capital 1 6 full false 005: Garrett Smith, Founder & CEO of Reveal Technology 005: Garrett Smith, Founder & CEO of Reveal Technology Garrett Smith is the CEO and co-founder of Reveal, a UAV edge analytics software platform. He is also a Reconnaissance, Intelligence, and Infantry Officer in the USMC Reserve. He is a graduate of Stanford University's Ford Dorsey Program in International Policy Studies, and earned a master's degree in June 2015. His focus of study was International Security and Cooperation, with background experience in South, Southeast, and East Asia.

]]> Garrett Smith is the CEO and co-founder of Reveal, a UAV edge analytics software platform. He is also a Reconnaissance, Intelligence, and Infantry Officer in the USMC Reserve. He is a graduate of Stanford University's Ford Dorsey Program in International Policy Studies, and earned a master's degree in June 2015. His focus of study was International Security and Cooperation, with background experience in South, Southeast, and East Asia.

]]> America Builds Podcast Buzzsprout-12820583 Tue, 20 Jun 2023 08:00:00 -0600 3123 america builds,uav,engineering,tech,startups,defense,military 1 5 full false 004: Kyle Olson, Managing Director at Fairwater Labs and Former Marine Raider 004: Kyle Olson, Managing Director at Fairwater Labs and Former Marine Raider Kyle is currently a Managing Director at Fairwater Labs, a venture studio building dual use defense tech companies. Kyle is also a former Marine Raider and Special Operations Officer with worldwide experience.

Inspired by the technological challenges he faced in combat, Kyle decided to leave active duty to focus on putting America’s best technology into the hands of those that need it the most. He is passionate about technologies that support intelligence collection, tactical survivability, unmanned systems, and digital privacy.

]]> Kyle is currently a Managing Director at Fairwater Labs, a venture studio building dual use defense tech companies. Kyle is also a former Marine Raider and Special Operations Officer with worldwide experience.

Inspired by the technological challenges he faced in combat, Kyle decided to leave active duty to focus on putting America’s best technology into the hands of those that need it the most. He is passionate about technologies that support intelligence collection, tactical survivability, unmanned systems, and digital privacy.

]]> America Builds Podcast Buzzsprout-12956475 Sun, 11 Jun 2023 20:00:00 -0600 2420 special operations, defense tech, startups, veteran, marine raider, technology, business 1 4 full false 003: James Clapper, Former Director of National Intelligence of the United States 003: James Clapper, Former Director of National Intelligence of the United States James Clapper is an esteemed veteran in the intelligence community, with over five decades of service under his belt. He served as the United States Director of National Intelligence under the Obama administration, a position that made him the principal advisor to the President on intelligence matters relating to national security. Clapper has held several other key positions within the U.S. intelligence community: he has served as the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

Clapper's career is not limited to intelligence. He is a retired lieutenant general in the United States Air Force, and a recipient of numerous military and civilian awards, including two Defense Distinguished Service Medals, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award. His invaluable insights and distinguished experience make him a standalone figure in discussions about intelligence, defense, and national security.

Purchase Clapper's book, Facts and Fears, here.

]]> James Clapper is an esteemed veteran in the intelligence community, with over five decades of service under his belt. He served as the United States Director of National Intelligence under the Obama administration, a position that made him the principal advisor to the President on intelligence matters relating to national security. Clapper has held several other key positions within the U.S. intelligence community: he has served as the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

Clapper's career is not limited to intelligence. He is a retired lieutenant general in the United States Air Force, and a recipient of numerous military and civilian awards, including two Defense Distinguished Service Medals, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award. His invaluable insights and distinguished experience make him a standalone figure in discussions about intelligence, defense, and national security.

Purchase Clapper's book, Facts and Fears, here.

]]> America Builds Podcast Buzzsprout-12998697 Wed, 07 Jun 2023 14:00:00 -0600 2223 james clapper, intelligence, military, intel, national security, defense 1 3 full false 002: Ashley Pelzek, Merlin Labs VP of Business Operations 002: Ashley Pelzek, Merlin Labs VP of Business Operations Ashley is currently the Vice President of Business Operations at Merlin Labs. Ashley served as an FA-18 naval aviator in the U.S. Navy for over a decade. Ashley has an MBA from MIT, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy, where she earned a B.S. in International Relations and was the basketball team captain.

]]> Ashley is currently the Vice President of Business Operations at Merlin Labs. Ashley served as an FA-18 naval aviator in the U.S. Navy for over a decade. Ashley has an MBA from MIT, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy, where she earned a B.S. in International Relations and was the basketball team captain.

]]> America Builds Podcast Buzzsprout-12633538 Tue, 11 Apr 2023 19:00:00 -0600 2435 1 2 full false 001: Will Allen 001: Will Allen Get to know our hosts and the story behind the America Builds Podcast.

]]> Get to know our hosts and the story behind the America Builds Podcast.

]]> America Builds Podcast Buzzsprout-12573919 Sun, 02 Apr 2023 18:00:00 -0600 2691 america builds,manufacturing,engineering,tech,startups,business 1 1 full false America Builds Podcast Trailer America Builds Podcast Trailer Introduction to the America Builds Podcast.

]]> Introduction to the America Builds Podcast.

]]> Buzzsprout-12371857 Fri, 03 Mar 2023 23:00:00 -0700 25 america builds,manufacturing,engineering,tech,startups,business 1 0 full false