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Do new UAP sightings mean alien contact is imminent? Lue Elizondo is a former U.S. Army counterintelligence special agent and a former senior intelligence officer for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence. With decades of experience in national security, he conducted and supervised clandestine operations worldwide, specializing in counterterrorism, espionage, and advanced aerospace threats. He is best known for his role as the former head of the Pentagon's Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP), where he investigated unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) and pushed for greater transparency on non-human intelligence (NHI). In this show, Elizondo reveals the existence of a decades-long “Legacy Program”—a covert operation investigating unidentified aerial phenomena that operated without congressional oversight for more than 80 years. This isn't about blurry lights in the sky. It's about crash retrievals, exotic materials, and physical craft allegedly in U.S. possession dating back to Roswell and beyond, quietly studied by the military-industrial complex while the public was fed weather balloon and swamp gas cover stories. He describes the Cold War you never learned about—not just a race to the moon, but a race to reverse-engineer technology so advanced it makes nuclear weapons look primitive. Then comes the phrase that changed everything: “non-human biologics.” The conversation shifted from metal to flesh. Not drones—occupants. Craft that were piloted. Pilots that didn't survive. The science is even more unsettling. These UAPs demonstrate capabilities that defy known physics: instantaneous acceleration, hypersonic speed without sonic booms, and right-angle turns that would liquefy a human body. The implication? They may not be “traveling” at all—but warping space-time itself, moving inside a gravitational bubble. And what if they aren't coming from far away? Elizondo weighs theories that these entities may be interdimensional, not extraterrestrial—originating not light-years away, but right here, just beyond our perceptual bandwidth. While we smash particles at CERN to glimpse the fabric of reality, these craft appear to move through it. From the Tic Tac incident, to swarms over Langley Air Force Base, to a recent triangle-shaped craft sighting over Area 51, the phenomenon is becoming more visible, more aggressive, and harder to dismiss. Elizondo's message—echoed in the title of his book, Imminent—is clear: the clock is ticking. If contact is coming, the real question isn't whether we're ready technologically—but whether we're ready socially, psychologically, and spiritually. A relationship with a non-human intelligence wouldn't mean trade agreements. Elizondo explains what it could mean for a fundamental rewrite of physics, religion, power, and humanity's place in the universe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join Dr. Arun Seraphin and Dr. Jae Yu for a conversation that explores new data on Pentagon senior civilian leadership, illuminating the backgrounds of individuals serving in STEM leadership roles focused on Emerging Technologies. This discussion draws on the NDIA ETI report published by Dr. Yu, “Mapping Government Officials in Emerging Technologies Roles,” which examines how STEM education and prior STEM experience shape career pathways within the Pentagon.The report and conversation analyze leadership backgrounds across the 14 critical technology areas identified by the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)), highlighting where STEM expertise is concentrated and where gaps remain in the Pentagon's Emerging Technologies workforce. The discussion concludes with data-driven recommendations to strengthen the Pentagon's senior civilian STEM workforce.Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, inside scoops, & more:LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 And for more podcasts, articles, & publications all things emerging tech, check out our website at: https://bit.ly/47oA5K1#EmergingTech #EmergingTechETI #USDR&E #Pentagon #STEM
It was a speech heard around the world. In front of global leaders, Prime Minister Mark Carney laid bare Canada's new foreign policy vision: Middle powers need to team up — or they'll be on the menu for hegemons like Russia, China and the United States.Two former diplomats — American Ambassador Tom Shannon, who at one point held the third-highest rank in the U.S. foreign service, and Canadian Senator Peter Boehm, who has served as a G7 sherpa — discuss the significance of the Carney doctrine and whether Canada will pay a price for standing up to Donald Trump. Then, former Republican Senator Jeff Flake talks to The House about what it will take for some members of his party to stand up to Trump and whether Carney's speech is resonating in the United States. Plus, Germany's ambassador to Canada Tjorven Bellmann explains what her country thinks about Carney's call to action.There's also a question of what actions Carney will take to match his words. Catherine Cullen asks International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu what the government plans to do next and how its trade diversification efforts are going.Finally, after turning heads in Davos, Prime Minister Carney gave a second, Canadian-focused speech at the cabinet retreat in Quebec City — which has furrowed some brows at home. CBC's Aaron Wherry lays out the domestic reverberations of Carney's two speeches.This episode features the voices of:Tom Shannon, former U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.Peter Boehm, Canadian senator and former G7 sherpaJeff Flake, former Republican senator for ArizonaTjorven Bellmann, Germany's ambassador to CanadaManinder Sidhu, Minister of International TradeAaron Wherry, senior writer for CBC Politics
For Career Education Report's 100th episode, host Jason Altmire is joined by Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent for an in-depth conversation on the direction of higher education and what it means for students, institutions, and taxpayers. A first-generation college student himself, Under Secretary Kent reflects on how his personal experience shapes his approach to higher education policy and the nation's student loan portfolio. The discussion explores how the Department of Education is balancing affordability, accountability, and accessibility while working to bring greater stability to a regulatory environment long defined by uncertainty. The Under Secretary shares insights on how consensus was reached at the last three negotiated rulemakings, addresses the FAFSA lower-earnings indicator, discusses enforcement actions, and highlights how federal policy can better connect education with workforce demand. This episode offers a candid look at the priorities and policy choices defining the next chapter of higher education. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.
Sarah Rogers, the State Department's undersecretary for public diplomacy, joins Mixed Signals for a wide-ranging conversation about free speech, tech regulation, and why she's been rattling the patience of some European governments. Max and Ben press her on confronting Europe over X, the Digital Services Act, and online speech — including accusations that she's carrying water for Elon Musk and the far right. Rogers traces her worldview back to the early internet, Gawker comment sections, and First Amendment litigation, and explains why she sees today's speech rules as potentially dangerous.And, don't miss this week's bonus episode of Mixed Signals: Max turns the tables on Ben and brings on Semafor CEO Justin Smith to ask the two about their big media news.
No Priors: Artificial Intelligence | Machine Learning | Technology | Startups
Today's arms race looks a little different from those of the past. Under the Trump administration, the US Department of War (DoW) is deploying generative AI to millions of employees in order to maintain a strategic edge over our global adversaries. Sarah Guo and Elad Gil sit down with Emil Michael, the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering of the United States, to discuss the radical technological transformation of the US military. Emil outlines the architecture and launch of GenAI.mil, a DoW internal AI platform powered by Gemini and Grok that reached over one million unique users in its first 30 days. He also highlights critical technology priorities for national security, including hypersonics, direct energy, and autonomous drone swarms. Together, they also explore the urgent need to rebuild the American defense industrial base and end dependency on foreign supply chains for critical materials, as well as how Emil is recruiting the next generation of “fixer-builder” workers to serve their country in government. Sign up for new podcasts every week. Email feedback to show@no-priors.com Follow us on Twitter: @NoPriorsPod | @Saranormous | @EladGil | @USWREMichael | @DoWCTO Chapters: 00:00 – Cold Open 00:00 – Emil Michael Introduction 00:58 – Emil's Role at the Department of War 05:22 – Innovation Priorities for the DoW 08:27 – Shift Toward Autonomous Defense Technologies 10:41 – Identifying Common Needs Across the DoW 12:02 – Architecting GenAI.mil 13:48 – Applied AI Initiatives at the DoW 15:57 – The Future of Warfare 17:55 – Recruiting for DoW 19:33 – Arsenal of Freedom Tour 22:25 – Opportunities for Entrepreneurs at DoW 25:49 – Speeding Up and Scaling DoW Initiatives 28:37 – Innovation in Defense Tech 30:00 – Change Management in Government 32:09 – Rebuilding the Defense Industrial Base 37:27 – Initiatives and Opportunities at the Office of Strategic Capital 41:41 – Lessons from Emil's Government Experience 44:30 – Conclusion
After leaving her role performing the duties of the chief information officer for the Department of Defense last month, Katie Arrington has taken a new position as CIO at quantum computing company IonQ. Arrington will step into the role Jan. 19, reporting to the company's COO and CFO Inder Singh, IonQ announced Wednesday. Kirsten Davies was nominated by President Donald Trump in May 2025 to be the Defense Department CIO, and it took most of the remainder of 2025 for the Senate to confirm her into the role. She was sworn in just before the Christmas holiday, at which point Arrington stepped away from her service to the Pentagon. In joining IonQ, Arrington will serve on the company's executive team. As CIO, Arrington will continue to support the U.S. military from a different vantage, leading modernization and security of IonQ's enterprise systems in support of its mission to deliver quantum capabilities to American warfighters. Before rejoining the Pentagon a year ago, then as deputy CIO for cybersecurity, Arrington had a previous stint as CISO in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, where she was largely responsible for the development of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program. Now: President Donald Trump re-nominated Sean Plankey to lead the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency on Tuesday, after Plankey's bid for the position ended last year stuck in the Senate. It's not clear whether or how Plankey's resubmitted nomination will overcome the hurdles that left many observers convinced his chance of becoming CISA director had likely ended, but it does definitively signal that the Trump administration still wants Plankey to have the job. Plankey's nomination was included in a batch sent to the Senate announced on Tuesday. CISA spent all of 2025 under Trump without a permanent director. Trump nominated Plankey, who held a couple cybersecurity roles in the first Trump administration, to lead CISA in March. He got a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing in July, then won approval from that panel that same month. But Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., had placed a hold on Plankey's nomination over a Coast Guard contract that the Homeland Security Department had canceled in part. While he awaited confirmation, Plankey had been serving as a senior adviser to the secretary for the Coast Guard. A spokesperson for Scott did not immediately respond to a request for comment. North Carolina's GOP Senate delegation also had placed holds on DHS nominees related to disaster aid to their state. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said last week that the holds would remain until Secretary Kristi Noem appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee. A White House official had denied reports that Plankey's nomination was all but over last year. “President Trump has been clear that he wants all of his nominees confirmed as quickly as possible, including Sean Plankey, who will play a key role in ensuring a strong cyber defense infrastructure,” the official told CyberScoop. Asked Wednesday at the Surface Navy Association national symposium about what he was doing to convince senators to lift their holds, Plankey answered, “The administration, the White House has to say that this is a priority of us.” The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared his team's long-awaited new plans to outpace U.S. adversaries by rapidly advancing the military's arsenal of AI, drones, hypersonics and other disruptive technologies — and drastically reshaping the Pentagon's approaches for safely deploying them. Speaking onstage at SpaceX's Starbase launch site in Texas, during a tour hosted by its billionaire CEO Elon Musk, Hegseth said: “In short, when it comes to our current threat environment, we are playing a dangerous game with potentially fatal consequences. We need innovation to come from anywhere and evolve with speed and purpose.” Hegseth's speech and three accompanying memorandums released Monday reveal the Trump administration's latest, fast-moving and multifaceted vision to overhaul the Defense Department's technology enterprise and dismantle perpetual barriers that have historically slowed the military's commercial capability adoption. Hegseth said that old era ends today, and that the department is done running what he called a peacetime science fair while our potential adversaries are running a wartime arms race. The revamped structure notably aims to anchor a “unified innovation ecosystem built around six execution organizations” that will now collectively operate under the purview of DOD Chief Technology Officer and Undersecretary for Research and Engineering Emil Michael. Those newer and more legacy entities include: the Pentagon's Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO); Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA); Defense Innovation Unit (DIU); Office of Strategic Capital (OSC); Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO); and Test Resource Management Center (TRMC). Senate and House appropriators are eyeing White House work on IT, artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure — and a continued presence for DOGE — as part of their fiscal year 2026 bill to fund Financial Services and General Government. On the executive branch funding released Sunday for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, lawmakers agreed on $124.3 million for salaries and expenses in the White House's Office of Administration, with up to $12.8 million used for IT modernization. No more than $10 million of that IT pie should be spent for security and continuity of operations improvements. The Information Technology Oversight and Reform (ITOR) bucket, which historically has supported the Office of the Federal CIO and the now-defunct U.S. Digital Service, would receive $8 million under the new budget. House Appropriations Republicans said in their press release that that money would be used to fund the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, which has replaced USDS as the U.S. DOGE Service. That $8 million figure is a fraction of the Trump administration's initial ask. In its June 2025 budget proposal, the White House requested $45 million in funding for DOGE, the Elon Musk-created group that led the decimation of the federal workforce in the early days of the Trump administration under the auspices of rooting out waste, fraud and abuse of agencies, but ended up raising government spending. The White House also sought $19 million for the ITOR account. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.
This has been a week of high-stakes political moves, viral chaos, and moments of raw emotion. From a tragic shooting in Minneapolis to a horse taking a lap through Target, we're breaking down the stories that actually matter. Here is your guide to this week's episode:The Lead: Tragedy and Policy• ICE in Minneapolis: We dive into the heartbreaking and controversial shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good. With local officials and the Trump administration at odds over whether it was self-defense or an overreach of power, we look at the footage and the fallout in the Twin Cities. • The "Under" Secretary? Why the White House Press Briefing came to a screeching halt. Did Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt leave to hit the under?• "People Live in Homes, Not Corporations": Trump's latest populist play is a ban on institutional investors buying single-family homes. Is this a win for the American Dream or a drop in the bucket for the housing crisis? Pop Culture & Viral Madness• Tony Dokoupil's Breaking Point: The CBS Evening News anchor had a rocky debut week.• Cher vs. Dax Shepard: Cher didn't hold back on the Armchair Expert podcast, telling Dax Shepard to his face that she still doesn't see what Kristen Bell sees in him. We dissect the most awkward (and hilarious) celebrity interview of the year. • Clean Up in Aisle 4: A TikToker rode a horse through Target, and—to no one's surprise—the horse left more than just hoofprints. We talk about the viral stunt that has retail workers everywhere reconsidering their career choices. The Deep Dive & Final Word• The Hilarious Dating Exchange: Hilarious Screenshot of the planning of a date gone wrong • QOD (Question of the Day): We answer your most pressing question about the week's news cycle.• Nuclear Opinion of the Day: Our hosts wrap up with a take so hot it might be radioactive—this week, we're looking at the future of the housing market.Tap into Episode 674 of the Productive Conversations Podcast—available now on all podcast platforms and YouTube.ICE gets tragic in Minneapolis (3:45)White House Press Brief Ends Because of the Under? (22:50)Trump stopping corporations from buying homes (35:43)Getting lit at the club (41:12)CBS Anchor Goes Through It (48:23)Horse in Target (54:20)Cher to Dak Sheppard (56:13)Hilarious Dating Exchange (1:06:50)QOD: (1:19:23)Nuclear Opinion (1:28:35)------#trending #sports #news #entertainment #culture #popculture #podcast Best way to contact our host is by emailing him at productiveconversationspodcast@gmail.com or mbrown3212@gmail.comThis show has been brought to you by Magic Mind!Right now you can get your Magic Mind at WWW.MAGICMIND.COM/ PCLT20 to get 20% off a one-time purchase or up to 48% off a subscription using that code PCJUNE. Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productive-conversations-with-matt-brown/id1535871441 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7qCsxuzYYoeqALrWu4x4Kb YouTube: @Productive_Conversations Linktree:https://linktr.ee/productiveconversations
Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg discusses the emphasis on improved buyer-seller relationships in ag trade, and in turn, increased product sales for U.S. ag exports. USDA Radio NewslineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
UFO & #NHI Breaking News - #Nazca Mummies, David #Grusch, #Bledsoe & #3IATLASPatrick from VETTED interviewed Gonzalo Chavez and he confirmed a team of Archeologists along with paleontologist Klaus Honninger saw a UFO land and a tridactyl like Maria came out of the UFO they had an interaction 3-Years priot to Maria being found. Since then, others have heard music and encountered live trydactyls.Vetted - The Nazca Mummies Are Still ALIVE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyF_HYBY5kgTimothy TaylorFormer CIA & NASA officials studied UFO "super experiencer" Chris Bledsoe for years. They tested him with exotic metals, toured restricted Kennedy Space Center areas, and relayed his contact message to President Obama.
Patrick J Murphy, First Iraq War Veteran Elected to Congress and Former Under Secretary of the Army — Patrick J Murphy was the first Iraq War veteran elected to the United States Congress and later served as Under Secretary of the Army. He joins Choose the Hard Way creator Andrew Vontz for a wide-ranging conversation on service, leadership and responsibility. — This episode explores what it means to engage seriously with people who hold different points of view and why stepping outside an echo chamber is a necessary discipline, not a political stance. — This is a conversation about leadership without performance, curiosity without defensiveness and the work required to stay human in complex systems. — Follow along here for new episodes and reflections and to support this work please become a paid subscriber of https://alwaysthehardway.substack.com/. — The media landscape has changed. Scripted is out. Real is in. Being a great podcast guest or host and being able to operate in dynamic unscripted contexts isn't optional. It's now a mandatory skill for senior leaders and doing it well isn't easy. — That's why Andrew Vontz started https://www.onerealvoice.com/ to help industry leaders thrive on podcasts, panels and the internal and external high-stakes open-ended conversations where reputations are built and business is won. — When you're ready to be great, DM https://www.instagram.com/hardwaypod or reach out to hello@onerealvoice.com. — With over $1 trillion in transactions to date, Blockchain.com is your trusted partner on your crypto journey. Go to Blockchain.com to get started today no experience required. — Lauf is the Apple of bike design and they make elegant products that just work better than everything else. Check them out at www.laufcycles.com. — Patrick J. Murphy: https://patrickmurphypa.substack.com/ — Patrick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrickmurphypa/ — More about Patrick: www.patrickjmurphy.com — Andrew Vontz's Choose the Hard Way newsletter: https://alwaysthehardway.substack.com/ — One Real Voice – narrative, strategy and coaching for podcasts and high-stakes conversations: http://www.onerealvoice.com — Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/hardwaypod — Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewvontz/ —
Operation Absolute Resolve was deemed a success. The long term impacts of capturing and indicting Nicholas Maduro are not fully known yet. John Cohen, former counterterrorism coordinator, discusses known and potiential impacts of the weekend operation.
The Oregon Wine Board announced its new slate of Board officers and the Governor's appointment of two new board directors to the 2026 Oregon Wine Board of Directors, and House Republicans plan to revive farm bill negotiations in January.
Another Christmas appears to have gone off without a hitch after Florida removed any government red tape that would have interfered with Santa Claus making his Christmas Eve journey across the Sunshine State, and House Republicans plan to revive farm bill negotiations in January.
HEADLINES: Ex-DPWH undersecretary's assets probed | Dec. 23, 2025Subscribe to The Manila Times Channel - https://tmt.ph/YTSubscribe Visit our website at https://www.manilatimes.net Follow us: Facebook - https://tmt.ph/facebook Instagram - https://tmt.ph/instagram Twitter - https://tmt.ph/twitter DailyMotion - https://tmt.ph/dailymotion Subscribe to our Digital Edition - https://tmt.ph/digital Check out our Podcasts: Spotify - https://tmt.ph/spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tmt.ph/applepodcasts Amazon Music - https://tmt.ph/amazonmusic Deezer: https://tmt.ph/deezer Stitcher: https://tmt.ph/stitcherTune In: https://tmt.ph/tunein#TheManilaTimes#KeepUpWithTheTimes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From Naval Academy to Acting Secretary: Colleague Thomas Modly discusses his memoir Vectors, detailing his journey from the Naval Academy class of 1983 to becoming an aviator and Pentagon official, reflecting on his family's immigrant history, working under Donald Rumsfeld on defense reform, and accepting the role of Under Secretary of the Navy. 1888
Today's episode of STEM-Talk features a timely and wide-ranging discussion with Drs. Michael Griffin and Lisa Porter about NASA's plans to return humans to the Moon, the history of lunar missions, and how China's advances in space technology pose a serious threat to U.S. national security. IHMC founder and CEO Emeritus Ken Ford's interview with Griffin and Porter came 10 days before Griffin appeared before the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space and Technology to give testimony on China's advancements in space and the risks it poses for the United States. “We have squandered a 60-year head start on pioneering the space frontier to a nation that, without reason or provocation on our part, has chosen to become our nation's adversary,” said Griffin in his opening comments to Congress. In this episode, Griffin and Porter explain why it is critical for the U.S. to return to the Moon before China. They also argue that NASA's Artemis III mission to return to the lunar surface and establish a permanent base on the Moon is seriously flawed and should be scrapped. Griffin and Porter are co-founders and co-presidents of LogiQ Inc., a company providing high-end management, scientific and technical consulting services. Griffin's background includes roles as the former Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, the Administrator of NASA, the Space Department Head at the John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory as well as Chairman and CEO of Schafer Corporation. Porter's background includes roles as the former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, the founding Director of the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the Associate Administrator for Aeronautics at NASA. Show notes: [00:04:44] Ken opens the interview by welcoming Mike back to STEM-Talk, who was a guest on Episodes 23 and 134. He also welcomes Lisa to her first appearance on STEM-Talk and asks her to talk about her decision to major in nuclear engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. [00:08:50] Ken asks Lisa why she went to Stanford for a Ph.D. in physics. [00:10:43] Ken explains that Lisa was the founding director of the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA), a department within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Ken asks about some of the challenges the American intelligence community faced that she addressed as director of IARPA. [00:16:15] Ken asks about Lisa's time working for Mike as Associate Administrator for Aeronautics at NASA, and how she came to accept that role. [00:18:07] Ken explains that when Mike became Undersecretary for Defense for Research and Engineering in 2018, he invited Lisa to become the Deputy Undersecretary for Defense for Research and Engineering. Ken asks Mike why Lisa was ideal for that role. [00:21:07] Ken explains that Mike and Lisa are working together again as co-founders and co-presidents of LogiQ Inc., a company that provides scientific consulting services. Ken asks Mike to give a brief overview of LogiQ's work. [00:24:44] Ken shifts the discussion to space exploration, noting that he wants to talk about Mike's 2024 congressional testimony on returning to the Moon, and a paper that he and Lisa published titled “A system architecture for human lunar return.” To begin the discussion, Ken asks why it is so important for us to return to the Moon. [00:29:11] Ken asks Mike and Lisa to explain why it is important for the US to be the first to return to the Moon in the context of China's ambition to send humans to the Moon and establish a permanent lunar presence. [00:33:24] Ken asks Mike and Lisa if they see the cancellation of the Apollo program as a mistake. [00:35:36] Ken asks Mike and Lisa to give an overview of the Artemis program. [00:41:45] Ken mentions the centrality of the Gateway in the Artemis plan, and the problem with making something that is already hard even harder for no good reason. [00:43:28] Ken mentions his concern that the focus on a Mars-forward approach might impede our success with the current Moon missions. [00:46:40] In Mike and Lisa's aforementioned paper, they propose a dual-launch lunar landing architecture, which is simpler than the current NASA architecture and presents lower risks to the crew. Ken asks Mike and Lisa to elaborate on this idea. [00:48:41] Ken asks Mike and Lisa what they think are some of the other technical and programmatic problems with the current Artemis plan. [00:52:31] Ken asks Mike and Lisa what NASA's response has been, as well as the response of others in the human space flight community, to their paper and recommendations for the Artemis mission architecture. [00:54:25] Ken explains that Sean Duffy, the Secretary of Transportation and acting NASA administrator, has opened the door to some additional lander ideas in light of concerns that the two current contractors, Space X and Blue Origin, may not be ready in time for the current Artemis schedule. Ken asks if Lisa and Mike think this is a good idea or if they think it would further complicate matters. [00:59:25] NASA's current budget is around $24.9 billion dollars, approximately 0.4 percent of total federal spending. Ken notes at a time when China is increasing their investment in their space programs and launching several missions, NASA is facing a proposal to cut its funding by 24 percent to $18.8 billion. Ken asks Mike and Lisa for their thoughts on this. [01:03:13] Ken and Lisa continue Mike's discussion on the core purpose of NASA beyond science. [01:08:55] Ken and Mike reflect on Ken's observation that the U.S. is not as serious about space and the Moon as it was during the Apollo years, years that attracted the nation's best and brightest. [01:09:39] Ken asks Mike and Lisa their thoughts on the way that NASA is contracting more services in the development of Artemis, rather than funding a development program. [01:15:55] Ken wraps up the interview by commenting that he believes listeners will very much enjoy today's conversation. Links: Michael Griffin bio Griffin's Dec. 4 2025 Congressional testimony Griffin's 2024 Congressional testimony Lida Porter bio Ken Ford bio Ken Ford Wikipedia page Learn more about IHMC STEM-Talk homepage
Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce provides some of the information producers should know about the recently announced Farmer Bridge Assistance program. USDA Radio NewslineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Missouri soybean farmer Richard Fordyce has recently joined the USDA and is the new Under Secretary of Farm Production and Conservation. Listen to this Spotlight on Soybeans to learn more! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Join host Arun Seraphin for a discussion into the complexities of tracking Pentagon funding for emerging technologies with experts Bess Dopkeen, founder of Keen Edge Strategies and former senior advisor to former Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Heidi Shyu, and Andy Vanlandingham, Director of Strategic Outreach at Draper and former Senate Appropriations Committee Professional Staff Member. This conversation covers the full lifecycle of defense funding, from the President's budget request, through congressional appropriations, all the way to contract execution and outcomes. Bess and Andy share firsthand insights from the Pentagon, Congress, and industry, illustrating the challenges of following the flow of money, ensuring transparency, and maintaining flexibility in budgeting and acquisition processes. The dialogue explores the tension between fiscal oversight and speed of technology development, highlighting opportunities for reform, improved data sharing, and innovative tools to help government and industry collaborate more effectively in advancing national defense technology.Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, inside scoops, & more:LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8And for more podcasts, articles, & publications all things emerging tech, check out our website at: https://bit.ly/47oA5K1
It’s time to apply for the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This gives financial assistance to eligible producers for revenue, quality, or production losses to crops, trees, bushes, or vines from 2023 and 2024 disaster events. It has two stages. Applications for Stage 2 are open now. We’re talking about it today with Richard Fordyce, the Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation. Before he goes into the details, he tells us about the whirlwind start to his job at USDA – after he was confirmed for the position, the government shut down. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former Congressman and Pentagon official Brad Carson discusses his organization, Americans for Responsible Innovation (ARI), which seeks to bridge the gap between immediate AI harms like and catastrophic safety risks, while bringing deep Capitol Hill expertise to the AI conversation . He argues that unlike previous innovations such as electricity or the automobile, AI has been deeply unpopular with the public from the start, creating a rare bipartisan alignment among those skeptical of its power and impacts. This creates openings for productive discussions about AI policy. Drawing on his military experience, Carson suggests that while AI will shorten the kill chain, it won't fundamentally change the human nature of warfare, and he warns against the US military's tendency to seek technical solutions to human problems . The conversation covers current policy debates, highlighting the necessity of regulating the design of models rather than just their deployment, and the importance of export controls to maintain the West's advantage in compute . Ultimately, Carson emphasizes that for AI to succeed politically, the "bounty" of this technology must be shared broadly to avoid tearing apart the social fabric Brad Carson is the founder and president of Americans for Responsible Innovation (ARI), an organization dedicated to lobbying for policy that ensures artificial intelligence benefits the public interest. A former Rhodes Scholar, Carson has had a diverse career in public service, having served as a U.S. Congressman from Oklahoma, the Undersecretary of the Army, and the acting Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness . He also served as a university president and deployed to Iraq in 2008 . Transcript Former TU President Brad Carson Pushes for Strong AI Guardrails
President Donald Trump appears to be eyeing an executive order that would target individual state efforts to rein in artificial intelligence and initiate several actions aimed at preempting those laws. A draft order viewed by FedScoop includes plans to establish an AI litigation task force to challenge state AI statutes, restrict funding for states with AI laws that the administration views as “onerous,” and launch efforts to preempt state laws via the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, and legislation. In response to a FedScoop inquiry about the six-page draft order, which was also marked “deliberative” and “predecisional,” a White House official said that until announced officially, “discussion about potential executive orders is speculation.” The document comes as long-discussed desires by the Trump administration and congressional Republicans to preempt state AI laws and clear the field for AI companies appear to be coming to a head. Republican lawmakers are again planning to include a state AI law moratorium in the must-pass National Defense Authorization Act, and Trump, in a Tuesday social media post, voiced clear support for a federal standard to be included in the NDAA or another bill. The Defense Department's CTO has revised its list of critical technology areas — reducing the number of research-and-development priorities by more than half. The Pentagon announced on Monday that the 14 critical technology areas established during the Biden administration will be trimmed to just six categories. In a video shared on LinkedIn, Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Emil Michael emphasized that the shortened list will steer the department's efforts to efficiently deliver the emerging capabilities that warfighters need. Michael said Monday in a statement: “When I stepped into this role, our office had identified 14 critical technology areas. While each of these areas holds value, such a broad list dilutes focus and fails to highlight the most urgent needs of the warfighter. 14 priorities, in truth, means no priorities at all.” The focus areas in the updated catalog include applied artificial intelligence (AAI); biomanufacturing; contested logistics technologies (LOG); quantum and battlefield information dominance (Q-BID); scaled directed energy (SCADE); and scaled hypersonics (SHY). Since its creation, the Pentagon's outline of critical technology areas has included the most pressing challenges and capabilities needed for modern warfare. The list serves as a guide for where the department should focus its investment, research and development efforts. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.
CONVERSATION HELD AT THE NORTH CAPITAL FORUM 2025 https://www.northcapitalforum.com/ncf25-secretaria-de-economia This conversation touched on the policies, priorities, and strategies shaping Mexico’s role in today’s global economy. From trade diversification to strengthening regional integration under USMCA, the session will highlight how Mexico is navigating shifting supply chains, new technologies, and evolving global dynamics. Participants gained insights into the opportunities and challenges facing North America’s trade agenda—and how closer cooperation between Mexico, the United States, and Canada can drive competitiveness, investment, and long-term prosperity across the region. SPEAKERS: Mexican Undersecretary for Foreign Trade, Luis Rosendo Gutiérrez Emilio Cadena, Chairman USMF; CEO Prodensa
pWotD Episode 3122: Lawrence Summers Welcome to popular Wiki of the Day, spotlighting Wikipedia's most visited pages, giving you a peek into what the world is curious about today.With 232,594 views on Tuesday, 18 November 2025 our article of the day is Lawrence Summers.Lawrence Henry "Larry" Summers (born November 30, 1954) is an American economist most famous for serving as United States Secretary of the Treasury from 1999 to 2001 and as the director of the National Economic Council from 2009 to 2010. He also served as president of Harvard University from 2001 to 2006, where he is the Charles W. Eliot University Professor and director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government at the Harvard Kennedy School.Summers became a professor of economics at Harvard University in 1983. He left Harvard in 1991, working as the Chief Economist of the World Bank from 1991 to 1993. In 1993, Summers was appointed Under Secretary for International Affairs of the United States Department of the Treasury under President Bill Clinton's administration. In 1995, he was promoted to Deputy Secretary of the Treasury under his long-time political mentor Robert Rubin. In 1999, he succeeded Rubin as Secretary of the Treasury. While working for the Clinton administration, Summers played a leading role in the American response to the 1994 economic crisis in Mexico, the 1997 Asian financial crisis, and the 1998 Russian financial crisis. He was also influential in the Harvard Institute for International Development and American-advised privatization of the economies of the post-Soviet states, and in the deregulation of the U. S. financial system, including the repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act.Following the end of Clinton's term, Summers served as the 27th president of Harvard University from 2001 to 2006. Summers resigned as Harvard's president in the wake of a no-confidence vote by Harvard faculty, which resulted in large part from Summers's conflict with Cornel West, financial conflict of interest questions regarding his relationship with Andrei Shleifer, and a 2005 speech in which he offered three reasons for the under-representation of women in science and engineering, including the possibility that there exists a "different availability of aptitude at the high end", in addition to patterns of discrimination and socialization.After his departure from Harvard, Summers worked as a managing partner at the hedge fund D. E. Shaw & Co. Summers rejoined public service during the Obama administration, serving as the Director of the White House United States National Economic Council for President Barack Obama from January 2009 until November 2010, where he emerged as a key economic decision-maker in the Obama administration's response to the Great Recession. In November 2023, Summers joined the board of directors of artificial intelligence organization OpenAI.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 02:57 UTC on Wednesday, 19 November 2025.For the full current version of the article, see Lawrence Summers on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm standard Joey.
In this episode of "Financial Crime Matters," Kieran talks live from The ACAMS Assembly Las Vegas with Ned Conway, Executive Secretary at the Wolfsberg Group, an association of 12 of the world's largest banks that focuses on managing financial crime and money laundering risks. Ned discusses Wolfsberg's recommendations for banking stablecoin producers, pointing to the group's recent guidance "Provision of Banking Services to Fiat-backed Stablecoin Issuers." The guidance adapts some of Wolfberg's seminal recommendations for correspondent banking relationships and can be "flipped" to serve banks considering dealing in stablecoin in various capacities. Commenting on remarks earlier in the day by Undersecretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John Hurley, Ned welcomeds promises of simplified suspicious activity reporting, greater information sharing by the public and private sectors, and regulatory oversight primarily focused on getting law enforcement what it needs to effectively fight crime.
Share your Field Stories!Welcome back to Environmental Professionals Radio, Connecting the Environmental Professionals Community Through Conversation, with your hosts Laura Thorne and Nic Frederick! On today's episode, we talk with Dr. Letise LaFeir, Chief of Conservation and Stewardship at the New England Aquarium about Resilient Leadership, Interconnected Stewardship, and Integrated Science Communication. Read her full bio below.Help us continue to create great content! If you'd like to sponsor a future episode hit the support podcast button or visit www.environmentalprofessionalsradio.com/sponsor-form Showtimes: 1:55 - Friends in adulthood10:37 - Interview with Letise LaFeir starts21:45 - LaFeir's Career Path 34:50 - Policy Work 41:09 - Field Notes with LaFeirPlease be sure to ✔️subscribe, ⭐rate and ✍review. This podcast is produced by the National Association of Environmental Professions (NAEP). Check out all the NAEP has to offer at NAEP.org.Connect with Dr. Letise LaFeir https://www.linkedin.com/in/letise-houser-lafeir/Guest Bio: Dr. Letise LaFeir serves as the Chief of Conservation and Stewardship at New England Aquarium, overseeing Animal Care, Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, Conservation Learning, Conservation Policy, and Community Engagement. LaFeir most recently served as a day-one Biden-Harris Administration appointee in the role of Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Before holding that position, LaFeir was a Program Officer and later Director of Federal Policy at Resources Legacy Fund; California Ocean Policy Manager at Monterey Bay Aquarium; Policy Analyst and later National Outreach Coordinator for NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries; and Director of Government Relations and Education Program Coordinator at the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. She also spent one year as a Sea Grant Knauss Marine Policy Fellow for now-retired Congressman Sam Farr of California. In 2014, LaFeir founded and still co-owns Upwelling Consulting, LLC. During her career, she has been honored with several awards, has had countless public speaking engagements, and has served on several professional advisory boards. In addition to authoring or co-authoring several scientific publications and a book of poetry, she is a certified scuba diver (Advanced and Nitrox) and has traveled to all seven continents and the seafloor. LaFeir holds a B.S. in Aquatic Biology and a B.A. in English (with Honors in Creative Writing) from Brown University, and a Ph.D. in Marine Biology from the University of Delaware-College of Marine Studies.Music CreditsIntro: Givin Me Eyes by Grace MesaOutro: Never Ending Soul Groove by Mattijs MullerSupport the showThanks for listening! A new episode drops every Friday. Like, share, subscribe, and/or sponsor to help support the continuation of the show. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and all your favorite podcast players.
National security expert Steven A. Cash joins journalist Larry Mantle for a critical conversation about the growing threat of authoritarianism in the United States. Drawing on decades of experience across intelligence, homeland security, diplomacy, and defense, Cash offers a rare insider's view of how democratic institutions are being tested—and what former national security professionals believe must be done to safeguard them.Steven A. Cash is the Executive Director of The Steady State, an advocacy organization composed of former senior national security officials. He most recently served in the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Intelligence & Analysis as Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary. Cash previously served as Deputy Chief Intelligence Officer and Acting Executive Director of the Intelligence Enterprise Program Office, overseeing the department-wide intelligence program.Larry Mantle is the longtime host of AirTalk on NPR-member station KPCC (89.3 FM), the longest-running daily talk show in Southern California. Known for his insightful interviews and deep reporting, Mantle is one of the region's most trusted voices in public affairs.This event is part of the America at a Crossroads virtual series, founded by Jews United for Democracy & Justice, bringing leading voices together to address the most urgent issues facing American democracy.
Negotiate Anything: Negotiation | Persuasion | Influence | Sales | Leadership | Conflict Management
In honor of Veterans Day, we bring you a special three-part masterclass celebrating the power of service, courage, and communication. Each guest — a distinguished leader shaped by the military experience — reveals a different side of what it means to lead and connect in complex times. Dr. Heiss Gibson explores humility and trust in the age of artificial intelligence, showing why the best leaders never stop learning. Michèle Flournoy takes us inside the rooms where history was made, from the Bin Laden raid to the cultural transformation of the Pentagon, revealing how strategy and empathy coexist under pressure. Finally, Brian Ahearn shares a deeply personal journey of reconciliation with his father, a Vietnam veteran, proving that influence and healing often begin with one honest conversation. Together, these stories remind us that true leadership isn't about rank or power — it's about service, humanity, and the conversations that move us forward. The One Thing Smart Leaders Miss About AI: Professor Hise Gibson — Retired U.S. Army Colonel & Professor at Harvard Business School High Stakes Negotiation: How to Win With Persuasion with Michèle Flournoy -Former U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Brian Ahearn: The Hard Talks We Avoid—And Why We Need Them Brian Ahearn — Chief Influence Officer at Influence PEOPLE & Author of His Story, My Story, Our Story
In honor of Veterans Day, we bring you a special three-part masterclass celebrating the power of service, courage, and communication. Each guest — a distinguished leader shaped by the military experience — reveals a different side of what it means to lead and connect in complex times. Dr. Heiss Gibson explores humility and trust in the age of artificial intelligence, showing why the best leaders never stop learning. Michèle Flournoy takes us inside the rooms where history was made, from the Bin Laden raid to the cultural transformation of the Pentagon, revealing how strategy and empathy coexist under pressure. Finally, Brian Ahearn shares a deeply personal journey of reconciliation with his father, a Vietnam veteran, proving that influence and healing often begin with one honest conversation. Together, these stories remind us that true leadership isn't about rank or power — it's about service, humanity, and the conversations that move us forward. The One Thing Smart Leaders Miss About AI: Professor Hise Gibson — Retired U.S. Army Colonel & Professor at Harvard Business School High Stakes Negotiation: How to Win With Persuasion with Michèle Flournoy -Former U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Brian Ahearn: The Hard Talks We Avoid—And Why We Need Them Brian Ahearn — Chief Influence Officer at Influence PEOPLE & Author of His Story, My Story, Our Story
Finland's Under-Secretary of State for International Trade, Jarno Syrjälä, joins Tomasz Kasprowicz, Vice-President of the Res Publica Foundation, to unpack how smaller European states navigate a harsher economic security environment. We discuss European Union trade unity under stress, the US–China rivalry, China's rare earth leverage and why dialogue and flexible processes still matter. We also cover Finland's shift after joining NATO in 2023, economic security, resilient supply chains and the balance between openness and strategic foresight. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4ts8BzOjNuY
A nation's promise to those who served becomes a lesson in how health care can truly heal. In this special Veterans Day episode, Dr. David Shulkin, the ninth Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in the Trump Administration and VA's Under Secretary of Health in the Obama Administration, talks about the mission, history, and transformation of the Veterans Health Administration, one of the nation's largest and most innovative health systems. He shares how his time leading the VA changed his perspective on what effective, compassionate care looks like, highlighting the system's holistic, population-based approach and its groundbreaking medical research. Dr. Shulkin also reflects on the challenges of government service, the importance of protecting the VA from privatization, and his continued advocacy for veterans and the workforce that serves them. Tune in to hear how the VA's model offers vital lessons for the future of American health care! Resources: Connect with and follow Dr. David Shulkin on LinkedIn. Get a copy of Dr. Shulkin's book, It Shouldn't Be This Hard to Serve Your Government, Our Broken Government and the Plight of Veterans, here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gary Bauer (Sr VP of Public Policy, Dr. James Dobson Family Institute) shares thoughts on Dr. Dobson (who recently went to be with the Lord), the ministries of Focus on the Family and Family Talk (which airs weeknights at 6 on WFIL). Bauer, who served in President Reagan's administration as Under Secretary of Education and later became president of the Family Research Council, adds thoughts on issues facing the current culture. Author Matthew Davis also checks in regarding his new book A Biography of a Mountain: The Making and Meaning of Mt. Rushmore. His book is broken into four parts: 1) Origins, 2) Growth, Loss, and Hope (1877-1925), 3) The Making of Mount Rushmore (1925-1941) and 4) The Meaning of Mount Rushmore: An Exploration in Four Questions and One Event. Sports clips:Rick Tocchet (Philadelphia Flyers head coach) (Flyers' YouTube page)Nick Sirianni (Philadelphia Eagles head coach) (www.philadelphiaeagles.com)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When debates over SNAP funding heat up, it's worth remembering leaders like Gus Schumacher ---the late USDA Under Secretary who championed farm-to-family connections and bipartisan solutions. This Farm To Table talk episode revisits his insights on SNAP innovation, nutrition incentives and lasting ways to strengthen food access for all. Gus Schumacher, who passed away in 2017, was a respected agricultural economist and former Massachusetts Commissioner of Agriculture. He served as Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services at the USDA from 1997 to 2001, overseeing the Farm Service Agency, the Foreign Agricultural Service, and the Risk Management Agency.Beyond his government service, Gus helped found the Wholesome Wave Foundation and championed reforms that continue to shape agricultural and food policy today. The USDA's Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program proudly bears his name — a lasting tribute to his vision for connecting farmers and families through healthy food.
Xochitl Torres Small grew up in Las Cruces, NM, and started her career as an attorney who has working in water and natural resources law. She served as U.S. Representative for New Mexico's 2nd congressional district (2019-20); she was Under Secretary for Rural Development (2021-23); and she served as United States deputy secretary of agriculture (2023-25). She brings her wide-ranging experience Executive Director of Quivira Coalition, and in our conversation she talks about her background, government service, and visions for regeneration and collaboration across the food system. TIMELINE 2'32 how Xochitl got into agriculture 4'11 the decision to go into politics 5'55 the difference between serving in Congress and in an agency 9'00 working in rural development 10'29 figuring out how to actually get money to rural communities 11'59 finding solutions that were energy efficient in rural areas 13'48 are agencies working together on common problems? 17'47 understanding the practicality of nature based solutions within government 22'46 soil health and why it's so important, and how Quivira does the work. 27'37 succession issues 30'26 vision for large scale transition of agriculture from industrial to regenerative 33'29 recognizing that solutions are all land-specific 35'06 how do you create local and regional food systems when a state like NM is exporting over 90% of its agriculture and importing over 90% of its food 36'11 systems that maximize only for efficiency tend not to be resilient in times of disaster 40'28 spectrum from regenerative to big ag but with lots of adoption all along the way 43'30 we need to stop "othering" 44'11 the challenges of scaling 45'59 going from government to grassroots, hopes and goals
How are naval shipbuilding, commercial shipbuilding, and commercial shipping linked together to create a healthy and effective national seapower ecosystem?What did the 1990s “Last Supper” get wrong, and what can be done to correct the error?Our guest this week is Hunter Stires, founder and CEO of The Maritime Strategy Group, returning to Midrats to discuss this and more.We will be using as a starting point for our discussion the recent article that he co-wrote with Steve Brock at CIMSEC, Maritime Statecraft and its Future.SummaryIn this conversation with Sal and Mark, Hunter Stires discusses the interconnectedness of naval shipbuilding, commercial shipping, and the broader maritime strategy of the United States. He emphasizes the historical context of U.S. maritime power, the importance of bipartisan support for revitalizing the shipbuilding industry, and the role of allies like South Korea in enhancing U.S. capabilities. The discussion also touches on workforce challenges, the need for competition in the shipbuilding sector, and the strategic imperative of maintaining a robust maritime ecosystem.ShowlinksMaritime Statecraft and its Future, by Steve Brock and Hunter StiresThe Neptune Factor: Alfred Thayer Mahan and the Concept of Sea Power, by Nicholas A. LambertThe Influence of Sea Power Upon History, by Alfred Thayer MahanShipbuilding, Shareholders, and National Asynchronization, by CDR SalamanderShareholder Interests Are at Odds with Navy Needs, by Martin BollingerEpisode 736: Anduril and the Promise of Autonomous Systems - with Chris Brose, by CDR Salamander & Mark TempestTakeawaysThe U.S. maritime ecosystem is interconnected and requires a holistic approach.Bipartisan support is crucial for revitalizing the shipbuilding industry.Historical lessons from figures like Mahan are relevant today.South Korea's investment in U.S. shipbuilding symbolizes a strong partnership.Workforce challenges in shipbuilding can be addressed through better pay and training.Outsourcing shipbuilding undermines U.S. strategic interests.Competition in the shipbuilding sector leads to innovation and efficiency.The U.S. must leverage its allies for technological advancements in shipbuilding.A maritime revival is possible with the right political will and strategy.Investment in shipbuilding is essential for national security.Chapters00:00: Introduction to Maritime Strategy and Ecosystem02:05: The Interconnection of Naval and Commercial Shipbuilding07:06: Historical Context: Lessons from Mahan and the Past14:40: Bipartisan Support for Maritime Revival18:16: The Role of South Korea in U.S. Shipbuilding31:00: Challenges in U.S. Shipbuilding and Workforce41:50: Future Directions and Strategic PartnershipsHunter Stires served as the Maritime Strategist to the 78th Secretary of the Navy, completing his term in June 2025. He has been recognized for his work as one of the principal architects of the Maritime Statecraft strategy put into action by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro to rebuild America's comprehensive maritime power, both commercial and naval. Mr. Stires serves as a Non-Resident Fellow with the Navy League's Center for Maritime Strategy and as the Project Director of the U.S. Naval Institute's Maritime Counterinsurgency Project. A graduate of Columbia University, Mr. Stires previously served in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy and in several positions on the Navy Staff, including in OPNAV N96 Surface Warfare Directorate, OPNAV N95 Expeditionary Warfare Directorate, and OPNAV N522 Navy Irregular Warfare Group. Since departing government, Mr. Stires founded and now serves as CEO of The Maritime Strategy Group.Mr. Stires has been recognized twice with the U.S. Naval Institute's General Prize, the premier writing award of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, judged in the blind by active duty Sea Service professionals each year since its inception in 1879. He was awarded 1st Prize for “The South China Sea Needs a ‘COIN' Toss,” published in Proceedings in May 2019; he was awarded 2nd Prize for “Win Without Fighting,” published in June 2020. His article in the Summer 2019 issue of the Naval War College Review, “‘They Were Playing Chicken:' The U.S. Asiatic Fleet's Gray-Zone Deterrence Campaign against Japan, 1937-40,” was selected for inclusion in the Newport Papers monograph Deterrence. Mr. Stires's published work has been cited in a wide range of outlets, including Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, War on the Rocks, The National Interest, 19FortyFive, the Liberty Times, Rappler, and the South China Morning Post —as well as the Chinese language edition of the Global Times.
CONVERSATION HELD AT THE NORTH CAPITAL FORUM 2025 www.northcapitalforum.com/ncf25-sre-rv This fireside chat featured Roberto Velasco, Undersecretary for North America at Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in conversation with Enrique Perret, Managing Director of the US-Mexico Foundation and President & Founder of the North Capital Forum. Together, they reflected on the latest developments shaping North America, from trade and investment to mobility, security, and innovation. With a focus on opportunities for collaboration, the discussion will highlight how Mexico, the United States, and Canada can continue to strengthen ties and advance shared priorities in a rapidly changing global context.
This episode was originally recorded on October 18th at the Progress Conference in Berkeley. Because of the federal shutdown, Director Kratsios called in virtually.Michael Kratsios is Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and the president's top science and technology advisor. In the first Trump administration, Kratsios was US Chief Technology Officer, and later acting Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, where he championed emerging tech like AI, quantum, and autonomous systems in defense.Given constraints in the topics Kratsios could speak on, my questions focused on understanding the administration's AI and science policy. We talked about the recent AI Action Plan: what AI can do for America and the world, and how the administration plans to ensure US leadership. We discuss the administration's vision for gold standard science, and whether the structures we use to fund science need to change. We also touched on how the second Trump administration differs from the first, and Kratsios's take on AI safety.Thanks to Harry Fletcher-Wood and Katerina Barton for their light edits for length and clarity in the transcript and audio, respectively, and for a tight turnaround. The White House has not yet cleared the full video for publication, but we'll share it here if it is cleared.The full transcript for this conversation and many others is available at www.statecraft.pub. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.statecraft.pub
For this episode Stewart Mullin and Rebecca Williams are joined by Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevarra from the Department of Energy, Philippines to discuss the burgeoning offshore wind industry in the Philippines. They discuss the significant potential for offshore wind energy in the country, the government's supportive policies, and the importance of engaging with developers. The conversation also highlights the challenges and opportunities in the energy sector, the role of regional collaboration, and the future outlook for offshore wind in the Philippines.
In this episode, I sit down with Frank Kendall, former Secretary of the Air Force and Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics. Frank shares what's really happening behind the scenes of the newly announced $175 billion “Golden Dome” program—a reboot of Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative that could balloon to $500 billion. We talk about what this means for government contracting, the risks of rushing massive programs, and his firsthand look at managing $170 billion budgets and 700,000 personnel in the Air and Space Force. Key Takeaways: The Golden Dome could open unprecedented government contract opportunities across defense and space sectors. Rushing a $175B program risks massive waste and inefficiency—potentially doubling its cost to $500B. The Air Force's 2050 vision focuses on AI, autonomy, and long-range power projection to counter China's military buildup. Learn more: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ https://govcongiants.org/
This week's episode features Juan Biset, consultant and former Undersecretary of Mining and Sustainability in Argentina, in conversation with host Adrian Pocobelli. Biset discusses Argentina's growing mining sector and the country's significant copper potential, as well as its efforts to position itself alongside leading South American mining jurisdictions like Peru and Chile. All this and more with host Adrian Pocobelli. This week's Spotlight features Fred Earnest, president and CEO of Vista Gold, discussing the company's Mt. Todd gold project in Australia's Northern Territory. To learn more, visit: https://www.vistagold.com/ “Rattlesnake Railroad”, “Big Western Sky”, “Western Adventure” and “Battle on the Western Frontier” by Brett Van Donsel (www.incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-northern-miner-podcast/id1099281201 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78lyjMTRlRwZxQwz2fwQ4K YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NorthernMiner Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/northern-miner
Interview with Ambassador Kent Logsdon on Moldova: 33:25 This week, Kelly and Tristen break down President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu's 20-point Gaza peace plan and what it signals for U.S.-Israel relations, as well as the ongoing ceasefire negotiations. They then look at the Gen-Z-led protests spreading across Morocco and Madagascar — echoing Nepal's youth uprising weeks ago — and close with Europe's efforts to rein in Russia's growing “shadow fleet” of sanction-dodging oil tankers. Finally, Kelly talks with former U.S. Ambassador to Moldova (2021 - 2024) Kent D. Logsdon about the country's recent elections and its path toward Europe amid ongoing Russian pressure. Ambassador Kent D. Logsdon was the United States Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova from 2021 to 2024. He previously served as the Chief of Staff to the Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment and prior to that was Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of Energy Resources. He was also the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, Germany, serving as Chargé d'Affaires, from January 2017 to May 2018. The opinions expressed in this conversation are strictly those of the participants and do not represent the views of Georgetown University or any government entity. Produced by Abdalla Nasef and Freddie Mallinson. Recorded on October 07, 2025. Diplomatic Immunity, a podcast from the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University, brings you frank and candid conversations with experts on the issues facing diplomats and national security decision-makers around the world. Funding support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. For more, visit our website, and follow us on Linkedin, Twitter @GUDiplomacy, and Instagram @isd.georgetown
In this Govcon Giants episode, I sat down with Eric Raven, former Under Secretary of the Navy (2022–2024) and longtime defense budget insider, to uncover how a $260B department with nearly 900,000 people actually buys from tens of thousands of small businesses—and where the next wave of Government contracting dollars is headed. From small-business access through Gold Coast (Navy Gold Coast Conference) and buying commands like NAVAIR and NAVSEA, to workforce demands in the submarine industrial base, to the administration's ambitious “Golden Dome” missile-defense program, this episode is packed with insights you can act on now. Access & Wins: How to engage Navy buying commands (BSOs), why responding to RFIs/Sources Sought matters, and how to leverage events like Gold Coast. Scale & Policy: The shift toward “teeth > tail,” OTAs, and commercial practices that scale pilots from a handful of units to 10,000+. Where the Money's Going: Submarine base supply chain (17k suppliers, 100k workers needed), the U.S. shipbuilding gap (0.1% vs. China's ~50%), and the $175B–$500B Golden Dome initiative. Learn more: https://govcongiants.org/ Erik's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-raven-7359a6324/
Sunday's Mormon church shooting resulted in four deaths and eight others wounded. Former undersecretary of intelligence & counter-terrorism coordinator for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, John Cohen, joined the show to talk about what can be learned by the shooter.
It's been a rough year for Nebraska row crop producers, with low corn prices and China's refusal to buy soybeans leaving many producers in the red, despite relatively high yields. But speaking in York Wednesday, Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs said there are big wins on the horizon for American agriculture. Lindberg attended a roundtable with ag producers on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, ahead of a joint review on the agreement scheduled for next summer. Lindberg says the review process includes three steps – looking to get a better deal, putting buyers and sellers in the same room and ensuring that foreign governments are living up to their commitments.
The Rich Zeoli Show- Full Episode (09/10/2025): 3:05pm- According to reports, conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk was shot while speaking at a Turning Point USA event on Utah Valley University campus. His condition is unknown. 3:30pm- Corey DeAngelis—Senior Fellow at the American Culture Project & Author of the book, “The Parent Revolution: Rescuing Your Kids from the Radicals Ruining Our Schools.”—joins The Rich Zeoli Show and reacts to the devastating news that Charlie Kirk was shot during a campus event on Wednesday afternoon. 3:40pm- Unbelievably, one MSNBC commentator hypothesized that Charlie Kirk may have been shot by a conservative supporter in “celebration.” Another far-left commentator seemingly blamed Kirk for the shooting: “You can't stop with these awful thoughts you have and then saying these awful words and then not expect awful actions to take place” 4:20pm- Rich Staropoli— Fox News & Newsmax Contributor, former Special Agent in the Secret Service, and former Under Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security—joins The Rich Zeoli Show and reacts to the shooting of Charlie Kirk. 4:40pm- In a post to Truth Social, President Donald Trump stated: “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!” 5:05pm- KSL news in Utah spoke with several Utah Valley University students who attended the Turning Point USA campus event where Charlie Kirk was tragically shot and killed. 5:30pm- Flashback: Back in March, Charlie Kirk sat down for a podcast conversation with California Governor Gavin Newsom—where Newsom even joked that his son is a fan of Kirk's videos and said he loved watching his TikToks. 6:05pm- In a post to social media, FBI Director Kash Patel wrote: “The subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody. Thank you to the local and state authorities in Utah for your partnership with the FBI. We will provide updates when able.” 6:30pm- Utah officials held a press conference following the heartbreaking assassination of Charlie Kirk—announcing that a “person of interest” is in custody. Governor Spencer Cox (R-UT) told the media: "I just want to remind people that we still have the death penalty here in the state of Utah."
No Priors: Artificial Intelligence | Machine Learning | Technology | Startups
AI doomers say that the technology will be the ultimate job-killer. But Jacob Helberg wants people to see AI as a tech that will boost, not replace, human workers and give them superpowers. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jacob Helberg joins Sarah Guo and Elad Gil to talk about AI's role in reshoring manufacturing in America, supply chain security, and transforming the US energy grid. He also discusses the CapEx revolution, why he sees opportunity for tech and energy partnerships in the Middle East, and the path to more nuclear energy for the US. Plus, the three explore what the “superintelligence century” could look like. Sign up for new podcasts every week. Email feedback to show@no-priors.com Follow us on Twitter: @NoPriorsPod | @Saranormous | @EladGil | @jacobhelberg Chapters: 00:00 – Jacob Helberg Introduction 00:50 – Jacob's Agenda for Capitol Hill 01:53 – Reshoring the American Supply Chain 04:38 – Areas of CapEx Growth 06:56 – Importance of Supply Chain Security 08:52 – Reshoring Rare Earth Minerals 11:12 – How AI Can Help America Reindustrialize 15:37 – AI and Productivity Gains 17:38 – The Superintelligence Century 22:56 – Creating an Open Source AI Ecosystem 24:41 – The Middle East and AI 26:24 – Growing Energy Resources in the US 28:28 – The Path to More Nuclear Energy in the US 35:50 – Essential Domains for Strategy and Security 38:20 – The Tech Industry and the Administration 40:29 – Conclusion
Send us a textStrap in, because this “daily drop” is a full-throttle rollercoaster of Pentagon absurdity and global WTFs. From promoting a former Space Force whistleblower to Under Secretary of the Air Force, to blowing $200M on a border wall while ignoring busted pistols and flood victims—this episode doesn't pull punches. Peaches goes off on political aircraft pork, war with China (spoiler: lots of body bags), and the Space Force's asteroid defense ambitions. Oh, and yes, Pizza Cat is alive and well. You're welcome, internet.