Defense Tech Podcast
Join Host Civilian Sydney as explores the inner workings of government innovation through conversations with key industry players, subject matter experts and government officials. Despite lacking government expertise, Civilian Sydney aims to demystify the complexities of defense tech by engaging insiders and experts in the industry. Listen in as she goes behind the scenes of government to explore the latest in microelectronics, space defense, contracting, startup funding and more. Powered by NSTXL.
All episodes(23)
- StandardSummaries onlyBehind the Scenes of Innovation with Mike Brockly
Published Dec 31, 2025
Mike BrocklyJoin Host Civilian Sydney for Episode 4 of the Defense Tech Podcast for the final episode of the Behind the Scenes of Innovation series, as she sits down with Mike Brockly, Director of Program Management at NTSXL, to take a look at security measures in the United States, security implications of the Chips Crisis and project success and evaluation for Microelectronics Commons. Using his holistic security background, Mike breaks down the status of security in the U.S. and what he looks forward to
- StandardSummaries onlyHow Rad-Hard Testing Works with Trusted Strategic Solutions
Published Aug 4, 2025
Trusted Strategic SolutionsHow does rad-hard testing work? What does “rad-hard” mean? Join in this episode with special guest Dan Marrujo from Trusted Strategic Solutions, who gives us a behind-the-scenes look into the criticality of testing for radiation-hardened technologies and what’s being done to improve these capabilities for the DoD. Stay tuned until the end of the episode for insights on growing trends in the defense tech industry. Dan is the President of Trusted Strategic Solutions, a consulting firm that provide
- StandardSummaries onlyGamechanger or Guideline? The Real Impact of Trump’s Acquisition Order
Published Jul 2, 2025
In the wake of President Trump's executive order prioritizing speed and agility in DoW critical technology procurement, OTAs are in the spotlight. Guest Doug Crowe joins to explain how we navigate acquiring critical and emerging technology in the modern age. Doug Crowe is the Senior Vice President of Program Management at NSTXL. Doug comes in with 40 years of expertise in the industry – he is a Navy veteran and is so intelligent in many different DoW systems. He brings great insight into the acq
- StandardSummaries onlyHow Marketing for the Government Works
Published Jun 12, 2025
What is it like to market for the Government? Join in this episode with special guest Civilian Jillian who shares what she’s learned from transitioning from civilian roles to marketing for high-impact Government projects. Jillian Honeycutt is the Program Marketing Lead for the Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) at the National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL). From selling cheese to running marketing campaigns for Invisalign, she has garnered a diverse set of experiences in the marketing
- StandardSummaries onlyWho is NSTXL? An Intro to the Defense Tech Podcast
Published May 29, 2025
Let us reintroduce ourselves! Join Civilian Sydney hosts for this special episode about the origins of the Defense Tech Podcast, who NSTXL is, and why Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) are now at the forefront of innovation in the U.S. NSTXL is focused on building a network of innovators and creators across the most sought-after emerging technology fields. As an open-source platform, our approach was designed to encourage network growth and collaboration without stifling change. We support ou
- StandardSummaries onlyTech TALX: How Neptune Transitioned into DoW Offices with Epiq Solutions
Published Apr 3, 2025
Epiq SolutionsJoin Civilian Sydney in the newest Tech TALX episode, where she sits with Wyatt Taylor from Epiq Solutions to discuss successful prototype integrations. The "Neptune" project was initially awarded in 2021 under the S2MARTS OTA to 3 performers to provide a radio frequency payload for implementation into unmanned maritime systems. The project was then down-selected to Epiq solutions. Their payload solution gained attention from many other DoW offices who have since integrated Neptune’s test assets
- StandardSummaries onlyDoD-Critical: Developing a Clear Vision for Microelectronics with the MMEC Hub
Published Feb 13, 2025
Civilian Sydney sat down with Jackie Janning-Lask and Dr. Matt Casto, who lead the Midwest Microelectronics Consortium, to discuss the origins of MMEC and how to define a vision for clearer mission goals. The group also did a deep dive into a few technologies, including Secure Edge and the Internet of Things. Jackie and Matt helped me better understand the criticality of collaboration to achieve common goals. Jackie Janning-Lask serves as the Chief Executive Officer of MMEC. She retired from the
- StandardSummaries onlyDoD-Critical: Capitalizing on Collaboration with the California DREAMS Superhub
Published Jan 23, 2025
In this week's episode Civilian Sydney sits with Stephen Crago and Mike Haney, who help lead the California Defense Ready Electronics and Microdevices, or California DREAMS, Superhub. Stephen is the Director and Principal Investigator of CA DREAMS at the University of Southern California, and Mike is the Deputy Director of CA DREAMS and the Director of the MOSIS 2.0 initiative. In this episode, we cover electromagnetic warfare, 5G/6G technologies, the CA DREAMS MOSIS 2.0 initiative, cross-hub co
- StandardSummaries onlyDoD-Critical: Why We Need Trusted Systems with the SWAP Hub
Published Jan 16, 2025
Tune in to this episode as Civilian Sydney sits down with the SWAP Hub's CTO, Krishnendu Chakrabarty. Krishnendu is the Fulton Professor of Microelectronics in the school of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering at Arizona State University. He also acts as the Chief Technology Officer for the SWAP Hub. In this episode, we discuss some of the projects that the SWAP Hub is currently focused on, as well as what the Hub's workforce development initiatives are accomplishing - further cementing
- StandardSummaries onlyDoD-Critical: Lab-to-Fab for Wide-Bandgap Semiconductors with the CLAWS Hub
Published Dec 19, 2024
Join Civilian Sydney as she chats with Fred Kish and John Muth from the CLAWS Hub as they discuss commercial leap-ahead technologies, wide-bandgap semiconductors, access to cleanrooms, building a robust workforce pipeline and more. Fred Kish is a renowned engineer who has made significant contributions to the field of optoelectronics, particularly in the development of high-performance LEDs and integrated photonic circuits. He is currently a distinguished professor and NNF Director at North Caro
- StandardSummaries onlyDoD-Critical: Why User-Centric Design Matters with the SCMC Hub
Published Dec 12, 2024
Civilian Sydney talks with Brett Hamilton and Jalen Rollins from the Applied Research Institute, also known as ARI, who help lead the Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics Commons Hub. In this episode, they dive into technologies such as electromagnetic warfare and discuss the foundational elements for the successful integration of technologies. Brett serves as Senior Vice President of Microelectronics & Advanced Technology Strategy at ARI, and is a respected national microelectronics leader with
- StandardSummaries onlyDoD Critical: AI's Role in National Security with the NW AI Hub
Published Dec 5, 2024
This week on the DoD-Critical series, Civilian Sydney talks with H.S. Philip Wong and Tsu-Jae Liu, professors leading the California-Pacific-Northwest AI (NW AI) Hub, one of eight Hubs of Microelectronics Commons. The NW AI Hub is focused on the development energy-efficient AI hardware and "AI at the Edge" - enabling AI use in devices soldiers carry. Professor Liu currently serves as the Dean and the Roy W. Carlson Professor of Engineering at the UC Berkeley College of Engineering. Professor Won
- StandardSummaries onlyDoD-Critical: From Research to Application with the NORDTECH Hub
Published Nov 28, 2024
Welcome back! Season 3 of the podcast is kicking off with Nicholas Fahrenkopf of the NORDTECH Hub, one of eight Microelectronics Commons Hubs that was awarded in 2023. This season we are exploring the six technologies that are critical to the Department of Defense in the effort to re-onshore microelectronics manufacturing technologies, as well as ensure the security of our current technologies. Nick is the Technical Director of NORDTECH, and earned his BS in Physics and PhD in Nanoscale Engineer
- StandardSummaries onlyTech TALX: How Advanced Packaging Works with Analog Devices
Published Sep 3, 2024
Analog DevicesJoin Civilian Sydney in this Tech TALX episode as she sits with John Cowles from Analog Devices to talk advanced packaging and System on a Chip (SOCs). In this tech deep dive, John walks us through what an SOC is as well as its history, and why the industry is moving towards advanced packaging as an effective solution. John Cowles is the Senior Director of Technology at Analog. He has over 20 years of experience in the semiconductor industry in various specialties such as defense electronics, mi
- StandardSummaries onlyTech TALX: Digital Services for the DoD with Omni Federal
Published Jun 20, 2024
Omni FederalThe Defense Tech Podcast is back! This episode is a part of a new miniseries called Tech TALX where we will intermittently release standalone episodes. Each of these special episodes will help paint the larger picture of the technology that’s imperative to the DoD mission. On this week’s Tech TALX, Civilian Sydney meets with Brad Kettner and Dan Wenk from Omni Federal. In this episode, Brad and Dan provide a new perspective on the digital services and methods necessary to make real progress in D
- StandardSummaries onlyBeyond Borders: Achieving Resilience by 2026 with Josh Madrigal
Published May 2, 2024
Josh MadrigalJoin Civilian Sydney for the final episode of Season 2 as she sits down with Josh Madrigal, Vice President at Millennium Space Systems. In this episode, we dive deep into space tech with Josh, who is an industry SME and SpEC member. Josh discusses the U.S. trajectory to achieving resilience in space by 2026, as well as the efficiency of OTAs, small satellite technology and more. He also discusses Millennium Space's involvement in the crucial Missile Track Custody project. Thank you to all who tu
- StandardSummaries onlyBeyond Borders: Meeting Warfighter Needs with Alonso Segura
Published Apr 18, 2024
Alonso SeguraJoin Civilian Sydney this week as she talks with Alonso Segura, Director of Strategy at Peraton. Do you ever wonder how the U.S. Government identifies its technology needs for the Warfighter? In this episode, Alonso utilizes his experience in program management for the Government to explain how these needs get identified and acted upon. He also shares his tips for connecting industry with Government, benefits of utilizing an OTA, and more. Alonso retired from the military after 22 years of servi
- StandardSummaries onlyBeyond Borders: The Final Frontier with Mike Malinowski
Published Mar 28, 2024
Mike MalinowskiIn this week’s episode, Civilian Sydney sits down with Mike Malinowski, the Director of Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC). Mike is a Veteran of the Navy and has a wide array of experience in the industry, including 10 years of management at General Dynamics and Boeing. In this episode, Mike shares his vision for SpEC, including his goals for supporting and uplifting Space Systems Command, and how the SpEC OTA is a unique solution for government contracting. He also shares his expertise on the c
- StandardSummaries onlyBeyond Borders: Finding the Best Solution with Patrick Barrett and Jay Kvale
Published Mar 14, 2024
Beyond BordersIn this episode of the Defense Tech Podcast, Civilian Sydney continues the Beyond Borders series, exploring the role of space in U.S. defense tech. This episode features Patrick Barrett and Jay Kvale from Infinity Systems Engineering. Patrick and Jay delve into their backgrounds and passions in the world of space technology, as well as how Infinity Systems helps forward the DoD mission of protecting the U.S. space domain. Tune into this episode for more insight into the newest in space technolog
- StandardSummaries onlyBeyond Borders: Defense Education Tools with Melissa Owens
Published Feb 29, 2024
Melissa OwensWelcome back to the Defense Tech Podcast! We're kicking of our second series, Beyond Borders: Space's Crucial Role in Defense Tech. This episode, Civilian Sydney sits down with Melissa Owens, Project Manager at Omni Federal. With 25 years in the military, including experience building up Space Force, Melissa shares insight into her transition to civilian life, as well as the technology developed by Omni Federal to educate and serve multiple branches of the U.S. Government in order to secure our
- StandardSummaries onlyBehind the Scenes of Innovation with Mike Dodd
Published Feb 26, 2024
Mike DoddJoin Host Civilian Sydney for Episode 3 of the Defense Tech Podcast as she sits down with Mike Dodd, VP of Strategic Partnerships at NTSXL, to take a look at the current climate in government innovation. Using his extensive background in both military and industry, Mike provides insights into the issues currently facing U.S. national security, such as the Chips Crisis, and how the Microelectronics Commons program is situated to make a difference. Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com / national-se
- StandardSummaries onlyBehind the Scenes of Innovation with Tim Greeff
Published Feb 26, 2024
Tim GreeffJoin Host Civilian Sydney for Episode 2 of The Defense Tech Podcast as she sits down with NSTXL President & Founder Tim Greeff to take a look behind the scenes of innovation. In this episode, Tim shares his high-level insight into the launch of Microelectronics Commons, its infrastructure and how he sees this project changing the future of Defense Contracting. Connect with us on LinkedIn! linkedin.com/national-security-technology-accelerator Learn more about NSTXL: https://www.nstxl.org Learn mo
- StandardSummaries onlyBehind the Scenes of Innovation with Stephanie Lin
Published Feb 23, 2024
Stephanie LinIntroducing the Defense Tech Podcast! Join Host Civilian Sydney as she explores the inner workings of government innovation from five key NSTXL players. This series, we are taking a look behind the scenes of innovation, with a spotlight on Microelectronics Commons. This week’s guest is the Director of Microelectronics Commons at NSTXL, Stephanie Lin. In this conversation, Sydney goes behind the curtain to learn more about the function, infrastructure, and long-term goals for Commons. Connect wit