Next Frontier

Edward Mehr, the visionary CEO of Machina Labs. Machina Labs, at the forefront of a new era in manufacturing, is revolutionizing the field with its groundbreaking Robotic Craftsman platform. Our discussion today will journey through Ed's experiences in founding Machina Labs, exploring how this innovative company is redefining metal forming technology and reshaping the future of manufacturing in the United States. This episode promises to be a treasure trove for those intrigued by the evolution of manufacturing, particularly in how Machina's Robotic Craftsman platform is disrupting traditional metal forming methods with its unparalleled cost efficiency, speed, and precision. We'll dive into the Robo Forming process, its compatibility with various materials, and how Machina Labs is advancing sheet metal forming technology. Ed will share insights into the training of their models, a critical aspect considering the complex physics of precision sheet metal forming, and discuss the potential scalability and democratization of this technology beyond aerospace. We'll also touch upon the broader manufacturing landscape, gleaning Ed's perspective on leading companies in the U.S. manufacturing sector and valuable lessons from his extensive experience in innovative manufacturing environments, including SpaceX. Our conversation will conclude with Ed sharing a success story that encapsulates the transformative impact of Machina Labs' technology, alongside his vision for the next six months and his thoughts on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. We distilled key lessons learned working at world class enterprise companies that are powerfully applied to every small and medium sized manufacturing company. Join us on this enlightening journey as we explore how Machina Labs is not just shaping metal, but also the future of manufacturing, contributing to a world where industry and innovation are key drivers of freedom and flourishing. Stay tuned for an episode that's not just informative but also a beacon for anyone passionate about the ever-evolving landscape of manufacturing and technology. Resources Mentioned & Other Links of Interest Aerospace Alloys oh my! – Inconel, inbar Machina Labs Capabilities Machina Labs Intro Video Machina Labs on Smarter Everyday Careers at Machina Labs Photocredit: Tech Crunch - Machina Labs emerges from stealth with $16M raised for on-demand manufacturing robotics About Our Guest Follow Ed on LinkedIn, here. Follow Machina Labs on Linkedin, here. Learn more about Machina Labs, here. Subscribe for More On the Next Frontier Podcast we deliver gems about how industry, innovation, and individualism are creating and protecting freedom and flourishing. We are witnessing a collision of economic, political, technological, social, cultural, spiritual, and other powerful forces. The Next Frontier Podcast is THE forum to help you explore, converse, and learn about how our current frontier is evolving and how the next frontier is taking shape. From pro-freedom innovation resources and technology to rethinking where stuff comes from, we are driven to give you the ideas, tools, and information that are fundamental to maximizing freedom and flourish as you lead the way into the Next Frontier. We're now on Substack! If you'd like to stay up-to-date with and support our tactical and strategic insights, please subscribe here. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nextfrontier/message

We dig into our food supply chain (stuff chain) and where our agriculture products come from. Farmland financier, entrepreneur and investor, Artem Milinchuk helps us learn through his data-driven, bird's eye view of how the agriculture industry works. Artem is pioneering democratized farmland investments at FarmTogether. The company is building technology to enable every individual to more deeply engage with and participate in our food stuff chain. Artem helps us learn how food makes its way from farmland across the United States into the bellies of people all over the world. We also dive into different ways that innovation and technology are empowering more antifragile agriculture supply chains and capital ecosystems. A quick note to round this intro off… Food is foundational to freedom and flourishing; without an antifragile food supply, lots of people die. And innovation, industry, and individualism are foundational to antifragile food supplies. The marvelous and miraculous human achievement of feeding billions of people at scale (as we do today) required and continues to require substantial innovation, industry, and individualism to build, make viable, sustain, and scale abundance. We'll peel this onion (pun intended, b/c food) with targeted podcast conversations over the next few months.For full show notes, check out The Next Frontier Podcast on Substack.com by visiting www.nextfrontierpodcast.com. About Our Guest Follow Artem on LinkedIn, here. Check out Farm Together on LinkedIn, here. Check out Farm Together, here. Subscribe for More On the Next Frontier Podcast we deliver gems about how industry, innovation, and individualism are creating and protecting freedom and flourishing. We're now on Substack! If you'd like to stay up-to-date with and support our tactical and strategic insights, please subscribe here. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nextfrontier/message

About This Episode Jason Kim leads one of the World's most agile and innovative aerospace manufacturing companies. In this episode, we dive into how Jason and his team at Millennium Space Systems (a Boeing company) are pioneering digital-first, high volume manufacturing for small satellites. We also dive into Jason's robust experience in the aerospace industry, ranging from his service in the US Air Force (thank you to all of the Veterans out there for your service!) to his time working across the aerospace industry, and now as CEO of Millenium Space Systems. Throughout the conversation, Jason shares powerful, tactical lessons about leadership, solving complex problems, and scaling a digitally defined manufacturing company. Resources Mentioned & Other Links of Interest South By Southwest Boeing Acquires Millennium Space Systems What is a satellite? On Orbit Manufacturing And Servicing 3 Ways To Use Satellites In Your Business How Tiny Satellites Are Changing The Way We Do Business Insights From Boeing Additive Manufacturing Design For Manufacturability Elon Musk Factory is The Product Palmer Luckey On The All In Podcast Millenium Space Systems Careers About Our Guest Follow Jason on LinkedIn, here. Check out Millennium Space Systems, here. They are hiring! Subscribe for More On the Next Frontier Podcast we deliver gems about how industry, innovation, and individualism are creating and protecting freedom and flourishing. We are witnessing a collision of economic, political, technological, social, cultural, spiritual, and other powerful forces. The Next Frontier Podcast is THE forum to help you explore, converse, and learn about how our current frontier is evolving and how the next frontier is taking shape. From pro-freedom innovation resources and technology to rethinking where stuff comes from, we are driven to give you the ideas, tools, and information that are fundamental to maximizing freedom and flourish as you lead the way into the Next Frontier. We're now on Substack! If you'd like to stay up-to-date with and support our tactical and strategic insights, please subscribe here. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nextfrontier/message

This episode is all about the macro state of the manufacturing workforce. “If you don't make stuff, there is no stuff.” – Elon Musk. All of the stuff we rely on and enjoy needs to come from somewhere… and someone. Manufacturing might otherwise be called: people and machines making the stuff that enables other peoples' and machines' high level of capabilities, flourishing, and freedom. In this conversation with Jake Hall, AKA ‘The Manufacturing Millennial', we deep dive into his work using media to inspire young people to join the manufacturing industry. From working with small manufacturers to Fortune 100 companies, Jake creates awareness around automation and modernization, investing in skilled trades, and attracting the next generation workforce. The Manufacturing Millennial makes a powerful case for the future of manufacturing – and manufacturing careers – in the United States. Resources Mentioned & Other Links of Interest National Association of Manufacturers: Key Manufacturing Statistics Companion Episode: Digital Transformation With Keith Gargiulo American Welding Society Great Resignation Amazon Uses A LOT OF Warehouse Robots Amazon Robotics AGV and AMR Industrial Robotics (Automated Guided Vehicle, Automated Mobile Robots) Eastern Kentucky Advanced Manufacturing Institute (EKAMI) Path Robotics Welding Robots About Our Guest Follow Jake on LinkedIn, here. Learn more about the Manufacturing Millennial, here. Subscribe for More On the Next Frontier Podcast we deliver gems about how industry, innovation, and individualism are creating and protecting freedom and flourishing. We are witnessing a collision of economic, political, technological, social, cultural, spiritual, and other powerful forces. The Next Frontier Podcast is THE forum to help you explore, converse, and learn about how our current frontier is evolving and how the next frontier is taking shape. From pro-freedom innovation resources and technology to rethinking where stuff comes from, we are driven to give you the ideas, tools, and information that are fundamental to maximizing freedom and flourish as you lead the way into the Next Frontier. We're now on Substack! If you'd like to stay up-to-date with and support our tactical and strategic insights, please subscribe here. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nextfrontier/message

Episode title: Where Telecom Comes From with Michael Bloxton, CEO of Nebula Compute About This Episode Do you know where your cell service and internet come from? What does the physical infrastructure that lets you talk to your team, friends, and family on the other side of the world look like and how does it work? In this episode, Michael Bloxton joins us to explore how the bits that run our modern lives and businesses move around the world, and how the atoms of telecom infrastructure really make the magic happen. We also dive into where our computer power might come from in the future and what Mike is building at Nebula Space Systems. Resources Mentioned & Other Links of Interest The Cell Service Actually Works by Wendover Productions Cellular Network Consolidation Submarine Cable Map Cell Tower Mapper How Information Travels Wirelessly Here's Why Your Phone Stops Working When You're In A Huge Crowd PACE Planning Episode #16 with Namrata Goswami Nebula Compute About Our Guest Follow Mike on LinkedIn, here. Learn more about Nebula Compute, here. Subscribe for More The world is changing rapidly and dramatically. We are ALL witnessing a collision of economic, political, technological, social, cultural, spiritual, and other powerful forces that we have not seen in modern human history (or possibly ever). The Next Frontier Podcast is THE forum to help you explore, converse, and learn about how our current frontier is evolving and how the next frontier is taking shape. From pro-freedom innovation resources and technology to rethinking where stuff comes from, we are driven to give you the ideas, tools, and information that are fundamental to maximizing YOUR freedom and flourish as YOU lead the way into the Next Frontier. We're on Substack! If you'd like to stay up-to-date with and support our tactical and strategic insights, please subscribe here. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nextfrontier/message

Energy production and independence are foundational to freedom and flourishing. As we learn from Ivan Gonick in this conversation, the United States power grid is extremely complex and fragile. Ivan is the CEO of Veteran Solar; in this conversation he breaks down how at home solar power systems work and why they are an excellent mechanism to build a more antifragile energy system. Ivan also shares insights about where solar systems come from – from the panels themselves, to auxiliary components like batteries and transformers. Resources Mentioned & Other Links of Interest Shorting The Grid (Book) One Second After (Book) Solar Module Manufacturing Khan Academy: Solar Cells Microgrids Nuclear EMP Could Take Our The Power Grid Cyberattacks Mike Howard Podcast Episode Texas Power Grid Was Minutes Away From Total Failure For hackers and DIY'ers: Check out Jehu Garcia's Youtube Channel All About Building Solar Systems About Our Guest Follow Ivan on LinkedIn, here. Check out Veteran Solar's work, here. Subscribe for More The world is changing rapidly and dramatically. We are ALL witnessing a collision of economic, political, technological, social, cultural, spiritual, and other powerful forces that we have not seen in modern human history (or possibly ever). The Next Frontier Podcast is THE forum to help you explore, converse, and learn about how our current frontier is evolving and how the next frontier is taking shape. From pro-freedom innovation resources and technology to rethinking where stuff comes from, we are driven to give you the ideas, tools, and information that are fundamental to maximizing YOUR freedom and flourish as YOU lead the way into the Next Frontier. If you'd like to stay up-to-date with and support our tactical and strategic research, conversations, ideas, and insights, please subscribe to our Substack here. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nextfrontier/message

In this episode serial industrial entrepreneur, Fred Horowitz, shares lessons that he's learned through his robust manufacturing career and how he is navigating the rapidly evolving industrial landscape as a United States consumer goods manufacturing company. Fred is a deeply experienced CEO and founder of multiple, fast-growing consumer product brands. He is the current Chairman and CEO of A.P. Deauville and Partner at American Brand Holdings, LLC, the parent company of popular apparel brand, Hang Ten®. **A quick note on Audio Quality… We had to stick with backup audio for this episode; Fred comes through loud and clear, but Max comes through a bit muted. Thank you for your listenership and support as we grow our show and work out technical kinks!** Resources Mentioned & Other Links of Interest AP Deauville Plastic Supply Chain Disruption Mike Howard Podcast Shelley Huff Podcast Antiperspirant vs Deodorant Propylene Glycol Force Majeure Just In Time Manufacturing and the supply chain The Black Swan (Book) The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith (Book) About Our Guest Follow Fred on LinkedIn, here. Subscribe for More We deliver gems about how industry, innovation, and individualism are creating and protecting freedom and flourishing. The world is changing rapidly and dramatically. We are ALL witnessing a collision of economic, political, technological, social, cultural, spiritual, and other powerful forces that we have not seen in modern human history (or possibly ever). The Next Frontier Podcast is THE forum to help you explore, converse, and learn about how our current frontier is evolving and how the next frontier is taking shape. From pro-freedom innovation resources and technology to rethinking where stuff comes from, we are driven to give you the ideas, tools, and information that are fundamental to maximizing YOUR freedom and flourish as YOU lead the way into the Next Frontier. If you'd like to stay up-to-date with and support our tactical and strategic insights, please subscribe here. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nextfrontier/message

About This Episode In this episode, Shelley Huff shares her frontline perspective on the transformation unfolding in the United States' supply chains, particularly the shift from global, just-in-time, and fragile back towards local, safety stock, and antifragile (per Nassim Taleb's concept). Since we recorded this episode, Shelley moved from her role leading Serta Simmons as Chief Operating Officer to leading the organization as Chief Executive Officer. Before her current role as the CEO of Serta Simmons, Shelley played a central, action packed role building and leading key business initiatives for Walmart. In addition to her frontline insights on what is happening with global supply chains, Shelley helps us learn about where mattresses come from, how supply chains function at massive global organizations, the right way to use just-in-time manufacturing, and the rapid changes unfolding in the direct to consumer landscape. Resources Mentioned & Other Links of Interest Sourcing Matrix Walmart and Supply Chain Transparency Walmart Apply To Be A Supplier Walmart's Annual Event For American Made Products Just In Time And Lean Manufacturing Mattress Industry Shortages Texas Ice Storm And Plastics Safety Stock Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder (Book) Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Direct To Consumer About Our Guest Follow Shelley on LinkedIn, here. Subscribe for More The world is changing rapidly and dramatically. We are ALL witnessing a collision of economic, political, technological, social, cultural, spiritual, and other powerful forces that we have not seen in modern human history (or possibly ever). The Next Frontier Podcast is THE forum to help you explore, converse, and learn about how our current frontier is evolving and how the next frontier is taking shape. From pro-freedom innovation resources and technology to rethinking Where Stuff Comes From, we are driven to give you the ideas, tools, and information that are fundamental to maximizing YOUR freedom and flourish as YOU lead the way into the Next Frontier. If you'd like to stay up-to-date with and support our tactical and strategic insights, please subscribe here. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nextfrontier/message

About This Episode In this episode, we sit down with Lee Benson, a serial entrepreneur and industrialist who built, led, and exited Able Aerospace – a company he grew from 3 to 500 employees with 15 consecutive years of 20 percent compounded average annual growth. After selling Able Aerospace for 9-figures to publicly-traded Textron Aviation, Lee committed himself to helping other leaders achieve similar results. HE founded ETW, where he now helps senior leadership teams work better together at improving their organization's most important number. His main focus is to help leaders develop intentional, high-performance cultures that are driven by key performance metrics. In this wide ranging conversation we explore how Lee built a fully integrated aerospace maintenance giant and how he's now empowering other leaders Execute To Win. Resources Mentioned & Other Links of Interest Able Aerospace Vertical Integration Extreme Ownership (Book) The Great Resignation Mind Methodology Mind Up Journeyage Mentorcloud Execute to Win About Our Guest Follow Lee on LinkedIn, here. Subscribe for More The world is changing rapidly and dramatically. We are ALL witnessing a collision of economic, political, technological, social, cultural, spiritual, and other powerful forces that we have not seen in modern human history (or possibly ever). The Next Frontier Podcast is THE forum to help you explore, converse, and learn about how our current frontier is evolving and how the next frontier is taking shape. From pro-freedom innovation resources and technology to rethinking where stuff comes from, we are driven to give you the ideas, tools, and information that are fundamental to maximizing YOUR freedom and flourish as YOU lead the way into the Next Frontier. If you'd like to stay up-to-date with and support our tactical and strategic insights, please subscribe here. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nextfrontier/message

About This Episode In this episode, we sit down with Cam Adair, Founder of GameQuitters.com to break down how digital and gaming addiction are shaping our world and the Next Frontier. Gaming and more broadly digital addiction affects nearly all young people in today's world. After learning from this conversation with Cam, I believe that understanding gaming addiction is critical to understanding a wide range of significant global trends - including increased rates of mental illness, the United State's labor shortage, and the Free World's ongoing Cold War with China. Resources Mentioned & Other Links of Interest Cam's Ted Talk Game Quitters Cloudlandia China Bans Gaming Every Game Company That Tencent (China) Has Invested In The Great Online Game The Sabbath (Book) Hadza Hunter-Gatherers in Tanzania (Video) Joe Polish's Genius Recovery Americans Prefer Not To Know Where Their Stuff Comes From - NY Post About Our Guest Follow Cam on LinkedIn, here. Follow Cam on Twitter, here. Follow Cam on YouTube, here. Learn more about Cam on his website, here. Subscribe for More The world is changing rapidly and dramatically. We are ALL witnessing a collision of economic, political, technological, social, cultural, spiritual, and other powerful forces that we have not seen in modern human history (or possibly ever). The Next Frontier Podcast is THE forum to help you explore, converse, and learn about how our current frontier is evolving and how the next frontier is taking shape. From pro-freedom innovation resources and technology to rethinking where stuff comes from, we are driven to give you the ideas, tools, and information that are fundamental to maximizing YOUR freedom and flourish as YOU lead the way into the Next Frontier. If you'd like to stay up-to-date with and support our tactical and strategic insights, please subscribe here. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nextfrontier/message

About This Episode Formally launching the Where Stuff Comes From series of the Next Frontier Podcast with this short meditation and essay. Resources Mentioned & Other Links of Interest Antifragile: Things that Gain From Disorder (Book) Thanks A Thousand: A Gratitude Journey (Book) The Substance Of Civilization (Book) Subscribe for More The world is changing rapidly and dramatically. We are ALL witnessing a collision of economic, political, technological, social, cultural, spiritual, and other powerful forces that we have not seen in modern human history (or possibly ever). The Next Frontier Podcast is THE forum to help you explore, converse, and learn about how our current frontier is evolving and how the next frontier is taking shape. From pro-freedom innovation resources and technology to rethinking where stuff comes from, we are driven to give you the ideas, tools, and information that are fundamental to maximizing YOUR freedom and flourish as YOU lead the way into the Next Frontier. If you'd like to stay up-to-date with and support our tactical and strategic insights, please subscribe here. *CORRECTION: In this episode we reference the “second industrial revolution”, when in fact we meant to reference the “fourth industrial revolution.” --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nextfrontier/message

About This Episode A short solo riff giving clarity and focus as we explore the Next Frontier together and enter the new year. Resources Mentioned & Other Links of Interest The Fourth Turning (Book) The Changing World Order (Book) Russel Brand - The Great Reset: Conspiracy or Fact? (Video) Joe Rogan On The Metaverse (Video) Mark Zuckerberg's Metaverse Presentation (Personally I find this development creepy) Elon Musk on AI (Video) The Singularity Is Near (Book) Subscribe for More The world is changing rapidly and dramatically. We are ALL witnessing a collision of economic, political, technological, social, cultural, spiritual, and other powerful forces that we have not seen in modern human history (or possibly ever). The Next Frontier Podcast is THE forum to help you explore, converse, and learn about how our current frontier is evolving and how the next frontier is taking shape. From pro-freedom innovation resources and technology to rethinking where stuff comes from, we are driven to give you the ideas, tools, and information that are fundamental to maximizing YOUR freedom and flourish as YOU lead the way into the Next Frontier. If you'd like to stay up-to-date with and support our tactical and strategic insights, please subscribe here. CORRECTION: In this episode we reference the “second industrial revolution”, when in fact we meant to reference the “fourth industrial revolution.” --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nextfrontier/message

About This Episode Ori Saar served in a wide range of innovation roles inside of the Israeli Defense Forces. This episode pairs well with our previous Defense Innovation episodes, #8 Brain ‘Beam' Maue and #13 Prescott Pauling. We dive into Ori's experience building innovation infrastructure for the Israeli Air Force and then for the Israeli Defense Force's planning directorate. Next, Ori shares his take on what innovation really means and why defense innovation is so important. Since we recorded this episode around the time of the last round of the last round of substantial rocket fire from Gaza into Israel, Ori provided his unique perspective on how terrorist adoption of innovation and technology necessitates even more rapid and streamlined innovation processes. To wrap up, Ori shares reflections on his time in the IDF and his transition out of his military service. Resources Mentioned & Other Links of Interest DIY Drones When Your Invention Becomes a Weapon Hamas Underwater Drones Attacks Iron Dome Missile Defense System The Secret Plan of Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi: To Establish An Innovation Division Inauguration of Shiloah Innovation Unit About Our Guest Follow Ori on LinkedIn, here. Subscribe for More We are seeing an unprecedented wave of innovation resources that are empowering innovators, entrepreneurs, and industrialists, to build & create with (1) higher fidelity, (2) lower cost, and (3) greater speed than ever before. Through the Next Frontier podcast and blog series, I explore precisely where to find these resources and how YOU can efficiently and effectively utilize each resource to execute on your vision. If you'd like to stay up-to-date with these tactical and strategic insights, subscribe here.

About This Episode In this extremely timely episode, we sit down with Mike Howard, Chairman and CEO of Howard Midstream Energy Partners, to develop a deep understanding of where our energy comes from. Since we recorded this episode, the United States experienced a substantial cyberattack on of its largest fuel pipelines that should awaken the country and the world to the importance, criticality, and fragility of our energy stuff-chain. Scalable, reliable, resilient, and sustainable energy sources and infrastructure are critical to human flourishing, the modern high-tech economy, and our high-speed society. Throughout the conversation, we dive into what energy is, how oil and gas enable human flourishing, recent innovations in where we source our energy, and so much more. Resources & Links Mentioned The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels (Book) How Innovation Works: And Why It Flourishes in Freedom (Book) Enlightenment Now (Book) A Question of Power: Electricity and the Wealth of Nations (Book) Energy and Civilization: A History (Book) Apocalypse Never: Why Environmental Alarmism Hurts Us All (Book) The New Map: Energy, Climate, and the Clash of Nations (Book) Interactive map of pipelines in the United States The Laws of Thermodynamics About Our Guest Howard Energy Partners on LinkedIn, here. Howard Energy Partners Website, here. Subscribe for More This Meditation on ‘Where Stuff Comes From' will help you to navigate the rapidly changing geopolitical, business, and human rights environment that we face today. If you'd like to stay up to date on the latest insights, tactics, and news about ‘Where Stuff Comes From', subscribe to the ‘Where Stuff Comes From Weekly' newsletter at this link. Developing a framework for ‘Where Stuff Comes From' will help you gain the confidence that you need to avoid being caught flat-footed, unprepared, and reflecting retrospectively: “Well, I guess THAT'S where that stuff comes from.”

About This Episode Critical minerals are found in nearly every high-tech product we use today. For example, an iPhone is made of over 40 different elements found in dozens of different as-mined critical minerals (e.g. the rocks that come out of the ground). Right now the United States relies on our chief adversary, China, to supply nearly 100 of some of the most important critical minerals. Take for example, the rare earth metals, scandium, and graphite. In this episode I explore a key component of achieving American Minerals Independece: opening new mines for critical minerals. To do this, I sat down with Pini Althaus CEO of USA Rare Earths. Pini is a mining executive with decades of experience capitalizing and setting up new mining operations. USA Rare Earths is building an integrated mine to magnet rare earth supply chain located fully in the United States. Resources & Links Mentioned Critical Minerals Blog #1 Critical Minerals Blog #2 - Rare Earth Supply Chain Disruptions USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries Groundbreaking!: America's New Quest for Mineral Independence (Book) Covid and Rare Earths What are NEO Magnets? Matthew McConaughey GOLD Movie Colorado School of Mines About Our Guest Pini on LinkedIn, here. USA Rare Earths on LinkedIn, here. Subscribe for More Next Frontier We are seeing an unprecedented wave of innovation resources that are empowering innovators, entrepreneurs, and industrialists, to build & create with (1) higher fidelity, (2) lower cost, and (3) greater speed than ever before. Through the Next Frontier podcast and blog series, I explore precisely where to find these resources and how YOU can efficiently and effectively utilize each resource to execute your vision. If you'd like to stay up-to-date with these tactical and strategic insights, subscribe here. Where Stuff Comes From This Meditation on ‘Where Stuff Comes From' will help you to navigate the rapidly changing geopolitical, business, and human rights environment that we face today. If you'd like to stay up to date on the latest insights, tactics, and news about ‘Where Stuff Comes From', subscribe to the ‘Where Stuff Comes From Weekly' newsletter at this link. Developing a framework for ‘Where Stuff Comes From' will help you gain the confidence that you need avoid being caught flat footed, unprepared, and reflecting retrospectively: “Well, I guess THAT'S where that stuff comes from.”

Right now, the most important geopolitical competition since World War II, is unfolding between China and the United States. As a result, we need to start to ask Where Does Our Stuff Come From? Asking this question and building an understanding of this great power competition is essential to safeguarding our most important innovation resource: our ability to actually produce stuff. In this episode, we explore some of the high-level strategic moves that are unfolding right under our noses in the ongoing cold-war between the United States and China, and the implications that these moves have for entrepreneurs, industrialists, and innovators. To do this, we talk to Namrata Goswami, an author, strategic analyst and consultant on Great Power Politics, Space Policy, Alternate Futures, and Frameworks of Conflict Negotiation and Resolution. ***Correction: During the conversation, we reference that private companies need to PAY to access the United States's Global Positioning System. So, to be clear: GPS is completely free and maintained by the US space force (and formerly the Air Force Space Command). You can learn more about how GPS works on www.gps.gov.*** Resources & Links Mentioned Namrata On “Where are we with China?” Namrata Goswami Ted Starlink Beta Video BeiDou and Belt and Road US - Taiwan Relations The Expanse TV Show A Strategy of Technology (Book) Moonrush (Book) The Case For Mars (Book) About Our Guest Namrata on LinkedIn, here. Namrata on Twitter, here. Namrata's books on Amazon, here. Subscribe for More We are seeing an unprecedented wave of innovation resources that are empowering innovators, entrepreneurs, and industrialists, to build & create with (1) higher fidelity, (2) lower cost, and (3) greater speed than ever before. A key piece of this innovation puzzle is learning to ask Where Our Stuff Comes From. Through the Next Frontier podcast and blog series, I explore precisely where to find these resources and how YOU can efficiently and effectively utilize each resource to execute on your vision. If you'd like to stay up-to-date with these tactical and strategic insights, subscribe here.

About This Episode Now more than ever, entrepreneurs, innovators, and industrialists must be equipped with the language of digital transformation. In this episode, Keith Gargiulo and I take a tactical approach to digital transformation. As a Vice President at PTC, one of the world's leading digital transformation technology companies, Keith is one of the best people to help decipher and convey how you can implement digital transformation at all levels of your organization. Through the lens of digital transformation, we dive into Keith's lifestyle as a serial innovator and business-mind, both within PTC, in several private ventures, and through his generous volunteer work. Resources Mentioned & Other Links of Interest PTC Industry 4.0 Teamster's Union History The 6 D's of Disruption Vuforia View (Apple | Google) Vuforia Chalk Vuforia Expert Capture Vuforia Studio Apple AR Suite Apple's AR Hardware Generative Design OnShape OnShape for Education Software As A Service Culture of SaaS Tee Shirt FIRST Robotics The US Ranks Third In Graduating Engineers The Kill Chain by Christian Brose Defy Ventures CASA About Our Guest Keith on LinkedIn here. Subscribe for More We are seeing an unprecedented wave of innovation resources that are empowering innovators, entrepreneurs, and industrialists, to build & create with (1) higher fidelity, (2) lower cost, and (3) greater speed than ever before. Through the Next Frontier podcast and blog series, I explore precisely where to find these resources and how YOU can efficiently and effectively utilize each resource to execute on your vision. If you'd like to stay up-to-date with these tactical and strategic insights, subscribe here.

About This Episode A core competency for any entrepreneur, innovator, or industrialist is not only the ability to efficiently and effectively communicate in a wide range of media formats, but to swiftly paint a thrilling, compelling, and visionary narrative for a range of different audiences (your team, your investors, and your customers). In this episode, Max sits down with Marrisa Brassfield to dissect how Marissa (1) built up her world-class communications superpowers, (2) curates a Ridiculously Efficient lifestyle, and (3) uses her world-class skillset to transform how we educate the next generation. Resources Mentioned & Other Links of Interest Ridiculously Efficient Learn How To Be Ridiculously Efficient Xploration Center Joseph Campbell's The Hero With A Thousand Faces (Book) Strategic Coach Entrepreneurial Time System Strategic Coach Impact Filter Peter Diamandis Genius Network Tim Ferris Four Hour Work Week (Book) krisp.ai Ray Kurzweil Law of Accelerating Returns Stanford Behavior Design Lab Kolbe Index Ad Astra Nova School Upland Hills Learning Community About Our Guest “[Marissa] has created strategies, launched products, organized experiences, and recruited small teams that have collectively driven hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for Fortune 100 executives and global leaders like Peter Diamandis. As an international event producer and showrunner, her stages have been the intellectual playground of leaders like Ray Kurzweil, Tony Robbins, Arianna Huffington, Tom Bilyeu, and executives from Microsoft, Uber, HTC China and IBM Watson.” Marissa on Twitter, here. Marissa on LinkedIn, here. Subscribe for More We are seeing an unprecedented wave of innovation resources that are empowering innovators, entrepreneurs, and industrialists, to build & create with (1) higher fidelity, (2) lower cost, and (3) greater speed than ever before. Through the Next Frontier podcast and blog series, I explore precisely where to find these resources and how YOU can efficiently and effectively utilize each resource to execute on your vision. If you'd like to stay up-to-date with these tactical and strategic insights, subscribe here.

About This Episode Prescott Paulin is a Marine Corps Veteran, entrepreneur, and United States Defense Innovator. We dive deep into how and why Prescott built the Defense Innovation Network to help companies improve their technology to benefit our military. Prescott also explains how thought models - John Boyd's OODA Loop, Design Thinking, and many others - help him become a more effective innovator and entrepreneur. Next, we explore how Prescott's family business, 300 Below, and his life-changing cardiac arrest incident. To wrap up this wide-ranging conversation, Prescott dives into resources for how every person can gain the skillsets that they need to stay prepared and ready to save their life and the lives of others. Resources Mentioned & Other Links of Interest AFWERX Fusion Event Defense Innovation Network 300 Below Design Thinking 2018 Innovation Focused National Defense Strategy OODA Loop Marine Corps Officer Candidate School Marine Corps Auto Skills Shop What Universities Do Well Defense Innovation Network Virtual Summit Story Brand Small Business Innovation Research Grants Pass Base Passport Verification Beta Technologies Prescott's Harrowing Cardiac Arrest Story Mayday Alarm Stop The Bleed Tactivate Team Rubicon The Readiness Collective About Our Guest Prescott on LinkedIn here. Learn more about The Defense Innovation Network here. Subscribe for More We are seeing an unprecedented wave of innovation resources that are empowering innovators, entrepreneurs, and industrialists, to build & create with (1) higher fidelity, (2) lower cost, and (3) greater speed than ever before. Through the Next Frontier podcast and blog series, I explore precisely where to find these resources and how YOU can efficiently and effectively utilize each resource to execute on your vision. If you'd like to stay up-to-date with these tactical and strategic insights, subscribe here.

About This Episode In this episode of the Next Frontier Podcast, Dan Kuschell shares unique insights into the psychology and marketing of entrepreneurship and innovation. We dive deep into mental models for succeeding as an entrepreneur, tools that Dan uses to thrive as a Dad and sports coach, and how Dan became an expert copywriter. Finally, Dan dives into one of the most often overlooked pieces of the innovation resource puzzle: how risk-taking innovators can start fresh with bankruptcy laws in the United States. Resources Mentioned & Other Links of Interest Dan's Website Dan's Podcast: Growth To Freedom Tony Robbins Turning Your “SHOULDS” into “MUSTS” Tim Ferris: Rig The Game So You Can Win It Creating an irresistible offer Give And Take by Adam Grant (Book) Adam Grant: Are you a giver or a taker? (Talk) Bankruptcy - Investopedia Different Type of Bankruptcy DABDA - Dealing With Grief Think And grow Rich By Napoleon Hill (Book) Strategies for Learning from Failure Tom Hopkins Malcolm Gladwell 10,000 Hours Breakthrough 3X About Our Guest “Dan Kuschell Helps Entrepreneurs Build, Grow, and Multiply their Sales and Profits! Dan has over 25 years of experience building 11 companies, coaching over 5,329 small business owners, selling multiple companies, and a bestselling author of multiple books, and more... Through his work, he has become well known for creating and advancing momentum for small business owners, entrepreneurs, speakers, coaches, and authors. Dan brings simplicity to today's complexities to help you avoid the pain of the day to day operations. He's often been referred to "The Easy Button" for entrepreneurs desiring to gain more clarity, confidence, and capabilities." Dan on LinkedIn Dan's Podcast Subscribe for More We are seeing an unprecedented wave of innovation resources that are empowering innovators, particularly young innovators, to build & create with (1) higher fidelity, (2) lower cost, and (3) greater speed than ever before. Through the Next Frontier podcast and blog series, I explore precisely where to find these resources and how YOU can efficiently and effectively utilize each resource to execute on your vision. If you'd like to stay up-to-date with these tactical and strategic insights, subscribe here.

About This Episode This wide-ranging conversation with Eswar Anandapadmanaban takes us from his roots winning the Google Science Fair, to studying at the Massachusettes Institute of Technology where he invested time in a wide range of projects and internship experiences (at companies including NASDAQ and IDEO), through his award-winning mixed reality work for the US Air Force, and finally, back to his time driving MIT's premier global mixed-reality programs. Resources Mentioned & Other Links of Interest Eswar's Website MIT Reality Hack Hackathon VR/AR @ MIT What is a hackathon? PTC Waypoint Labs Acquired By PTC MIT Online Courses Free (OCW) Samsung Next Accelerator WebXR NASDAQ Innovation Lab IDEO CoLab IDEO Designed the first Apple mouse PillPack Case Study Design Thinking MIT Media Lab MIT Hacks Eswar Win's Air Force Competition AFWERX Challenges Model UN 7 Amazing Google Science Fair Projects TheraNIM: A Touchless Respiratory Monitor. ISEF Science Fair About Our Guest Eswar on LinkedIn. Eswar's portfolio. Subscribe for More We are seeing an unprecedented wave of innovation resources that are empowering innovators, particularly young innovators, to build & create with (1) higher fidelity, (2) lower cost, and (3) greater speed than ever before. Through the Next Frontier podcast and blog series, I explore precisely where to find these resources and how YOU can efficiently and effectively utilize each resource to execute on your vision. If you'd like to stay up-to-date with these tactical and strategic insights, subscribe here.

About This Episode During her Bachelor's degree, Gopika SenthilKumar founded the student product design organization, Insight Wisconsin, and drove the establishment of the multi-million dollar UW Makerspace. After graduating with a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Gopika is pursuing her combined M.D. and Ph.D. Beyond maker-centric innovation, Gopika shares her extensive in-lab research experience. Finally, we explore how Gopika built her public speaking skillset bringing her to the TedX and UW-Madison graduation stages. Recorded in May 2019. Resources Mentioned & Other Links of Interest Gopika's TedX Talk Gopika's Next Frontier Event Talk M.D. / Ph.D. University of Wisconsin-Madison Biomedical Engineering Program UW Madison Makerspace Insight Wisconsin Product Design Shadowing Doctors Internet Of Things Lab MCAT Mock Trial Lego Mindstorm MIT Integrated Design & Management United Way Philanthropic Youth Award Form Labs 3D Printers How To Win Friends And Influence People (Book) By Dale Carnegie Who Moved My Cheese (Book) By Spencer Johnson About Our Guest You can find Gopika on LinkedIn here. Subscribe for More We are seeing an unprecedented wave of innovation resources that are empowering entrepreneurs & industrialists to create with (1) higher fidelity, (2) lower cost, and (3) greater speed than ever before. Through the Next Frontier podcast and blog series, I explore precisely where to find these resources and how YOU can efficiently and effectively utilize each resource to execute on your vision. If you'd like to stay up-to-date with these tactical and strategic insights, subscribe here.

About This Episode In this episode Lennon Rodgers, Director of the Grainger Engineering Design Innovation Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Lennon shares how he pioneered the world-class design and innovation programs at MIT in Boston, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich; the Bern University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland, the Skolkovo Institute in Moscow, Singapore University of Technology and Design, and most recently, the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Throughout the conversation, we explore how Lennon used to travel as a resource to build his diverse and unique experience and skillset. Finally, we dive into case studies of Lennon's hands-on experience building technologies in aerospace, electric vehicles, and automation. Resources Mentioned & Other Links of Interest UW Madison Makerspace NASA JPL International Design Center @ MIT MIT Electric Vehicles Lab NASA SPHERES Universal Docking Port and Video-based Docking Sensor Integrated vs Modular Design Cubesats Charge (Isle of Man documentary) Isle of Man Motorcycle Race SUTD-MIT International Design Centre Apply to work at the UW-Madison Maker Space UW-Madison Design + Innovation Masters Program Integrated Design and Management Masters Program @ MIT GE Six Sigma Strategy IBM Design Thinking Programs Product Design and Development, 6th Edition (Book) by Steven Eppinger About Our Guest You can find Lennon on LinkedIn here. You can find a comprehensive portfolio of Lennon's projects here. You can learn more about the University of Wisconsin-Madison Makerspace here. Subscribe for More We are seeing an unprecedented wave of innovation resources that are empowering young entrepreneurs to create with (1) higher fidelity, (2) lower cost, and (3) greater speed than ever before. Through the Next Frontier podcast and blog series, I explore precisely where to find these resources and how YOU can efficiently and effectively utilize each resource to execute on your vision. If you'd like to stay up-to-date with these tactical and strategic insights, subscribe here.

About This Episode In this episode, Max sits down with Brian “Beam” Maue, co-founder of AFWERX. This wide-ranging conversation dives deep into the frontline innovation happening throughout the United States Air Force. Beam details his innovation philosophy and how he goes about innovation empowerment while sharing hyper-exciting stories of innovation throughout the history of the United States Military. Finally, Beam elaborates on the incredible innovation resources available to entrepreneurs and innovators from all walks of life -- industry, academia, and military -- and how they can get involved with AFWERX. Resources Mentioned & Other Links of Interest AFWERX AFWERX Book AFWERX Challenges AFWERX Newsletter SBIR/STTR Program The Declaration of Independence ROTC The Base of The Future Challenge The Berlin Airlift The DIY Commercial Drone Industry Beam's Holistic Happiness Udemy Course Beam's AFWERX Fusion Talk “Four Key Principles To Drive A Culture Of Innovation” About Our Guest Brian “Beam” Maue is a founding-father and the first president of AFWERX. “[Beam] leads a talented, nationally-dispersed mission team who connects innovators and creates accelerated technological and cultural agility for the 680,000 military and civilian members of the United States Air Force. Their AFWERX fusion of capabilities includes a system of "open to the public" innovation hubs, a virtual collaboration network for Airmen, and a network of innovation offices across Air Force bases.” You can find Beam on LinkedIn here. You can learn more about AFWERX here. Subscribe for More We are seeing an unprecedented wave of innovation resources that are empowering young entrepreneurs to create with (1) higher fidelity, (2) lower cost, and (3) greater speed than ever before. Through the Next Frontier podcast and blog series, I explore precisely where to find these resources and how YOU can efficiently and effectively utilize each resource to execute on your vision. If you'd like to stay up-to-date with these tactical and strategic insights, subscribe here.

The Next Frontier Thesis Today's front-line innovators, entrepreneurs, and creative core (all whom if not already will be tomorrow's leaders) grow up and learn their craft, not through the traditional academic system (in which many are enrolled), but through a complex web of innovation-enabling resources and infrastructure. Over the past 20 years, since the dotcom boom, we've seen the rise of the novel, memetic innovation tools, infrastructure, and incentives. These innovation tools have helped “entrepre-neers” (entrepreneur + engineer) create billion-dollar-plus companies, billions of dollars of economic value, and save millions of lives. For example, ever-popular hackathons started in the heat of the dotcom bubble on June 4th, 1999 in Calgary, Alberta when the earliest open software community OpenBSD held the first-ever hackathon. Then in 2005, Make Magazine published its first issue, marking a formal starting point for the powerful maker movement. That same year, the thread continues to Y-Combinator: the first-of-it's-kind startup accelerator. These and so many more pieces of the puzzle are critical to the unprecedented wave of innovation we are seeing today. Through the Next Frontier Podcast, I am attempting to break down the complex web of resources enabling not only rapid innovation but the rapid training of innovators. I hope that the episodes that follow serve as a hyper-tactical road map for young entrepreneurs, innovators, and creators at the start of their journeys. Further, I aim to emphasize and dive into actionable ways that seasoned entrepreneurs, the corporate world, and other established institutions can tap into the lively energy of young trailblazers through this same complex web of core-level innovation infrastructure. And finally, I hope that this thesis serves as a north star for parents looking to give their kids the competitive edge of resourcefulness, knowing what resources are out there and how to use them. Knowledge and awareness are power; please listen on to take the power that is rightfully yours. Ad Astra, Max Goldberg One more note…. For the next several weeks, I will release a queue of recorded conversations that I have been building up. After that queue is exhausted, I will publish episodes as they are recorded. You can check out the first half-dozen already released episodes at www.maxwellgoldberg.com/podcast. Subscribe for More We are seeing an unprecedented wave of innovation resources that are empowering young entrepreneurs to create with (1) higher fidelity, (2) lower cost, and (3) greater speed than ever before. Through the Next Frontier podcast and blog series, I explore precisely where to find these resources and how YOU can efficiently and effectively utilize each resource to execute on your vision. If you'd like to stay up-to-date with these tactical and strategic insights, subscribe here.

Maker Community & Virtual Reality at NASA About This Episode In this episode, Max sits down with Taylor Waddell, a manager, designer, and student maker for the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Makerspace, and co-founder of 2twenty5, a Madison-based student-maker consulting group. Insights Shared What is a maker?How do you get better as a maker?What is a makerspace?How can maker students and the business community collaborate for networking and other opportunities?How businesses can tap into the vast thinking and technical power of college students Highlights of the Episode Becoming a Maker [2:00] How did you get into making? [5:40] Taylor shares how he made the leap from an interested high school junior to newbie maker [7:06] Building a Maker Portfolio [8:30] Experiences within the maker community [13:34] Experiences in a makeathon [16:00] Building connections with student makers and the business world [21:08] Why companies should get involved with student makers and makerspaces [23:40] How can students leverage makerspace to develop their own career Making: From Minecraft to Virtual Reality at NASA [27:20] Getting into NASA [31:11] What was it like working at NASA? [35:43} What's the most important thing you've learned from NASA? [39:10] What are you most excited about it right now? [48:17] Why Minecraft sparked his birth as a maker Key Quotes from Our Guest “It's always the community. That's always the focus of a makerspace.” “The makespace embodies such a variety of different technical backgrounds.” “It's almost guaranteed when you walk into that [a makerspace] that you're going to learn something that you didn't know before. “The main thing with makerspace is people and that environment…It's all about community.” “For NASA, you're just given a full-on project.” “One of the most satisfying things about programming is that it's just so easy to make mistakes and correct them.” “ I always wanted that job that made you feel like a part of something bigger.” “I can guarantee that almost everyone is a maker.” Resources Mentioned & Other Links of Interest What is a Makerspace? Makerspace FFF Printer SLA Printer Arduino Major League Hacking Hack Illinois TreeHacks What can you get from Makeathons and how to get the most Insight Wisconsin MadMakers at Wisconsin SpaceX

Hackathon Strategies & Developing a Hacker Mentality Listen on Apple Podcasts About This Episode In this Episode, recent UW-Madison computer engineering graduate Spencer Fricke shares the wisdom and strategies he's gained from participating in over 35 hackathons around the world. Spencer shares why — and how — he believes everyone can develop a hacker mentality. Highlights of the Episode Insights Shared What is hacking?The 3 aspects of the hacker mentalityWho can hack?Why failure is an essential part of succeeding at hackingThe top excuses non-hackers use to stay out of hackathons Moments You Don't Want to Miss [1:06] What is hacking [1:55] The 3 key aspects of a successful hacking mentality [3:50] What is the goal of a hackathon? [4:41] Who can hack? Why don't more people get into hackathons? [8:28] A powerfully simple hacking skill that most college students don't use [11:20] Key takeaways Key Quotes from Our Guest “That is what makes you a maker…the willingness to say that you're not going to stick with the status quo and you're going to try something different.” “If you're good at failing, you will fail on a Thursday night when no one notices instead of in front of your first investor.” “The later you start, the longer it's going to take for you to get to a professional level.” Resources Mentioned Video of Spencer's Presentation Upcoming Hackathons How to find a Hackathon in Your Area MadHacks Equipment you can check out at the UW-Madison Library University of Wisconsin – Madison – Makerspace Spencer on LinkedIn Subscribe For More Are you a young entrepreneur looking to access the abundance of opportunities available to you around the globe? Through the Next Frontier podcast and blog series I explore precisely where to find these resources and how YOU can efficiently and effectively utilize each resource to execute on your vision. If you'd like to stay up-to-date with these tactical insights, subscribe here.

Generative Design, Quantum Computing, & Mantis Shrimp Listen on Apple Podcasts About This Episode In this episode of the Next Frontier Podcast, Max sits down with his good friend Vlad Bouriakov, a Manufacturing Systems & Engineering Graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, specializing in generative design. Max and Vlad to discuss the potential of generative design, and how Vlad took a highly-strategic approach to refine his engineering acumen throughout his undergraduate program, and now during his graduate degree. Key Highlights in This Episode Introductions [1:46] Introductions. Vlad shares his current job at University of Wisconsin-Madison [2:20} Current projects and research. Vlad shares his current projects and the bold philosophy that drove him as an engineering undergrad [4:38] Gearhead. Vlad explains what drove him to choose engineering as a major Generative Design [8:05] What is generative design? [9:04] How did the field of generative design develop? [12:24] What are the possible connections between quantum computing, generative design and quantum mechanics? [13:24] Are we seeing artificial intelligence in generative design? [15:40] What are some advanced tools you use in your work? [17:28] How does complex machine learning fit into generative design? [20:20} What kind of computer power is needed for generative power? (How many flops?) [26:00] What are some tools that are used in generative design? The Future [42:38] How far are we from creating a simple user interface where we can input the engineering information and pop out a completed part? [44:57] Vlad shares why he is optimistic about students going into engineering Biology & Generative Design [45:22] What is bio-mimicry and how can other biological-based principles impact generative design? [53:04] Crickets & Mantis shrimp. Vlad shares how resilin allows crickets to jump faster & mantis shrimp to pack a really mean punch Applied Generative Design & Health [57:21] Where do you get the data for generative design? [1:00:00] Oura Ring & Sleep analytics [1:01:00] What promising new applications do you see in generative design? [1:05:00] Importance of coding in engineering? [1:06:00] What would you tell a manufacturing CEO and an undergrad student about generative design? About Your Guest Vlad Bouriakov is a grad student and teaching assistant studying manufacturing systems and engineering and Virtual Reality/3D Scanning Chair of the UW Madison Makerspace,who worked with Max on one of the first prototypes of a hyperloop pod. Links of Interest Vlad on Instagram

Space. Adrenaline and Policy: How Van Espahbodi & Starburst Accelerator are Changing Aerospace Investing Listen on Apple Podcasts About This Episode Max talks with Van Espahbodi about his career transition from a government career to the co-founder of the first aerospace accelerator (Starburst Aerospace Accelerator). Van also shares how one of his cars ended up in one of the “Fast and Furious” franchises and how his work with Starburst is opening new doors for innovation in the aerospace industry. Highlights of the Episode Introductions & Career Transitions Van shares his journey about making the transition from a career in the public sector to working as a start-up founder in the private sector. [1:33] How did you make that transition from public sector to private sector? [6:20] What motivated you to pursue a career in the private sector, particularly the startup space? Aerospace Investing Max & Van shift gears to talk about investing in the aerospace industry and how the business accelerator he founded (Starburst) is opening doors for others in the aerospace industry. [9:21] Is venture investing in aerospace increasing or decreasing, compared to the past? [11:27] How did your accelerator, Starburst, develop to what it is today? [14:16] What kind of strategy consulting does Starburst offer for organizations and businesses interested in aerospace? Growing up & “The Fast & The Furious” Max and Van continue the discussion about Van's past, by diving into the childhood influences that helped steer Van to where he is it. Also, Van shared how his car was featured in “The Fast & The Furious”? [15:30] What were some of your childhood hobbies that influenced your future choice of career? [18:43] What kind of car did you have that was featured in the movie “The Fast & The Furious”? Chasing Your “Why” After talking about the past, Max and Van talk about how Van looks at his future, his personal mission. Max began with more in-depth questions about the personal motivation that transformed into a discussion about the future of aerospace and investing [20:03] Did you experience the same adrenaline rush as a teenager with kids as you moved throughout your career? [23:20] Did you have any 10x moments (aka “This is one of the best moments of my life) while working at Starburst? [24:46] What does “innovation lab” mean for the government? [27:09] Are you helping the Air Force with its space mission? [29:35] How do you feel about the public's awareness of space? [32:37] There's an abundance of new technology out there and increasing knowledge being shared about this technology. How can entrepreneurs get Involved in this. Where are some unconventional places they might want to look? About Your Guest Van Espahbodi is the co-founder and managing partner of the world's first

In this interview I dive in with Professor Michael Arnold, exploring how to optimally take leverage research opportunities and how he honed into his technical interest. Throughout the conversation, Professor Arnold provides some key insights into what it takes to bring research ideas to reality and make meaningful contributions, at all stages of your journey. We detail some techniques Prof. Arnold uses to invigorate the creative process, and the tactics he uses to take control of his time. Professor Arnold leads the Advanced Materials for Energy and Electronics Group at the University of Wisconsin Madison. His research focuses on : Carbon nanotubes – seamless cylinders of carbon only one billionth of a meter in diameter Atomically thin sheets of graphene Two-dimensional materials Semiconducting molecules and polymers and Heterostructures that integrate these components with conventional, macroscopic materials More about Professor Michael Arnold Hell Yeah or No by Derek Sivers More on how to say NO from Tim Ferris

About this Episode In this conversation, Max talks with Matt Starr, a materials engineer, who left the engineering field to become the founder of Rally Energy, a caffeinated products company. Matt also shares why he believes anyone (particularly students) can use the scientific method to make better choices. Things discussed in the conversation: Using the scientific method to make better business & personal decisions A mental trick to help you focus on the right tasks today Continuum that exists between working for a company & working for yourself How to leverage student competitions & other resources to your benefit Highlights of the Conversation Introduction [0:43] How would you characterize yourself at this point? Resources & Mindset [3:45] Did you have any favorite resources that were recommended to you or that you personally like to use? Educational & Career Journey [12:35] Was there a moment when you knew that you had moved away from wanting to be an engineer all of your life to becoming an entrepreneur? Leveraging University Resources [36:47] What university resources have you used that were helpful? [44:38] What about competitions? [54:00] What advice would you give a smart, driven college student? Important Quotes from Matt “When you start from zero, every little step matters.” “The only way to get out of failure is to try.” Resources Mentioned MERLIN Mentors WARF (Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation) Rally Energy Falcon Heavy Launch A16 Z Andreessen-Horowitz Podcast

About this Episode In this conversation, Max talks with Ben Arneberg, a former Air Force officer who jumped out of airplanes, built two 7-figure e-commerce businesses, and developed satellites. Their conversation covered some of these topics: How Ben leveraged podcasts, Facebook groups, and mastermind groups to conquer e-commerce Balancing full-time work as a student or employee and starting a 7-figure company on the side The most essential skill every entrepreneur needs to survive in business Balancing the points of paralysis analysis and doing the work Being comfortable with risk and leveraging that skill to change your world The one reason more smart people don't become entrepreneurs Highlights of the Conversation Getting Started [2:04] What was your first step from being interested in e-commerce to actively launching a business? [4:40] Looking back how do you view the initial $5,000 investment you put in your business? [6:45] Did you have a mentor when you first started out? Time Management [8:50] Were there any mastermind groups or events that helped you? [12:20] How did you balance working full-time and have the time to launch multiple e-commerce businesses? [14:00] What other tactics did you use to get the most out of your time? Careers & Dreams [17:35] What advice would you give an aspiring college student? [19:05] How did you decide on your career? Did you follow your heart, follow the money, or something else? [22:08] Did you learn any lessons while you were a military paratrooper? Entrepreneurship [25:00] Did becoming a paratrooper make you more open to taking risks or did you become a paratrooper because you were already a risj taker? [25:40] What things do you do now to stay adaptive to change and risk? Aerospace Industry [27:00] What is the coolest thing you've seen in the space industry? [27:40] Would you see yourself going back into the aerospace industry? [28:18] What type of space technology are you most interested in seeing? Important Quotes from Ben “The only way you're going to grow, as a person trying to build your business, is through the introduction of new information or meeting new people.” “…try to be prudent and discerning to find the people who are actually doing well…or look like they're on that path because