Boldly Go Podcast

Recorded live in front of 3,000 attendees at Axon Week in Nashville, hosts Mike Wagers and Rick Smith sit down with Harvard cognitive psychologist Dr. Steven Pinker — author of The Better Angels of Our Nature and his latest book, When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows.Pinker has spent decades arguing what the headlines rarely tell you: violence has been declining for centuries, and policing has played a central role in making it happen. He traces the long arc from medieval Europe — where disputes were settled with steel — to the rise of the modern state's "monopoly on the legitimate use of force," and explains why homicide rates in major U.S. cities just hit historic lows in 2025, even as academia resists giving police credit. His message to leaders is simple: build your understanding of crime on data, not headlines.The conversation also turns to technology and accountability. Drawing on his latest book, Pinker explains "common knowledge" — the moment everyone knows that everyone else knows — and how body cameras, doorbell cameras, and bystander video have transformed policing by turning private knowledge into shared, public knowledge. Rick Smith also reflects on how Pinker's research inspired his own book, The End of Killing.A rare, evidence-driven look at why the world is safer than it feels — and the indispensable role policing plays in keeping it that way.

When you call 911, everything depends on what happens next. But behind the scenes, many dispatch centers are still running on decades-old systems—forcing operators to manage life-and-death moments with tools that weren’t built for today’s world.Michael Chime walked away from Yale University as a Thiel Fellowship recipient to build a school safety app. That path led him somewhere unexpected: inside the 911 call center—where he found a critical gap almost no one in tech was solving.What he and his co-founders built became Prepared—a platform now powering dispatch centers across the country with live video, real-time AI translation, and automated call handling that’s already changing outcomes in real emergencies—including translating Mandarin in real time to help coordinate a shooting response.In this episode, Michael shares multiple stories from the field—moments where better information changed decisions when seconds mattered most. Rick Smith explains why Axon acquired Prepared, what set it apart from every other deal, and why real-world adoption—not slideware—sealed it.And yes…why Mike still gets to keep his email address.

In this episode of the Boldly Go Podcast, Axon co-founder Tom Smith shares the untold stories behind Taser’s early days. Alongside his brother Rick Smith, Tom reflects on the scrappy startup years—testing prototypes on themselves, chasing their first big break with Sharper Image, surviving near bankruptcy, and being forced to move production to Mexico after regulatory barriers made it impossible to operate as a U.S. company. The conversation dives into the wild risks, unconventional branding, and relentless perseverance that transformed an underdog startup into a global company reshaping modern policing. It’s a candid look at the chaos, grit, and mission-driven passion that fueled Axon’s journey from kitchen-table idea to world-changing technology.

What does it take to turn a struggling startup into a global force for public safety?For Max Nerheim — Axon’s first electrical engineer — it started with a $20,000 fixed-price contract, a lab in a literal broom closet, and the guts to tell the founders their original design was “a piece of junk.”In this episode of the Boldly Go Podcast, Rick Smith and Mike Wagers sit down with the man who holds more TASER patents than anyone on the planet. Max shares the untold “Wild West” history behind the M26 and X26 — from testing prototypes in his garage to out-innovating PhDs who thought they knew more.You’ll hear the story of a parking-lot confrontation with a patent lawyer trying to shake the company down — and why TASER 7 remains one of Max’s favorite designs.Oh — and since the statute of limitations has passed, you’ll also hear about a roadside encounter with a deer.

In this episode of the Boldly Go Podcast, Rick Smith and Mike Wagers sit down with Jason Droege, a key architect behind Axon’s transformation from a hardware-focused weapons company into a leading software, cloud, and AI platform. Jason reflects on the chaotic early days of Evidence.com, the cultural and technical challenges of scaling software inside a legacy organization, and pivotal moments that nearly derailed—or ultimately saved—the company. The conversation spans leadership under pressure, grit versus pedigree, lessons from Uber and founding Uber Eats, and Jason’s current role leading Scale AI, offering an insider’s perspective on where AI is headed, why talent matters more than ever, and how perseverance shapes enduring companies.

In this episode of Boldly Go, hosts Rick Smith and Mike Wagers sit down with Hadi Partovi—founder and CEO of Code.org, early investor in companies like Facebook, Uber, and Airbnb, and longtime Axon board member—for a wide-ranging conversation on technology, leadership, and values. Partovi shares how he helped steer Axon through pivotal moments: rescuing its early cloud strategy, rebuilding its software team, helping shape its ethical approach to AI, and even influencing the company’s name change from Taser to Axon. Along the way, the episode explores founder-led growth, talent culture, AI ethics, and the long-term bets that transformed Axon into a global public-safety technology leader.

In this emotional and historically rich episode, Rick and Mike sit down in London with longtime friend and former UK Taser distributor Kevin Coles to recount the remarkable—and ultimately tragic—story behind bringing the TASER device to the United Kingdom. Kevin shares how he and the late Peter Boatman fought through years of restrictive regulations, political hurdles, and media scrutiny to introduce a lifesaving tool to UK policing. Together, they revisit Peter’s extraordinary bravery and the pivotal role he played in UK officer safety. This rare, candid conversation honors a pioneer whose impact still shapes policing today.

In this episode of Boldly Go, hosts Rick Smith and Mike Wagers sit down with Piotr Baczynski, founder and CEO of Immersion Labs, for a deep dive into the past, present, and fast-approaching future of VR and AR. Piotr shares the unlikely origin of his company, lessons from the early days of Oculus, why VR training boosts real-world performance, how Axon and Immersion Labs partnered to build groundbreaking VR training experiences, and what the next wave of spatial computing will mean for public safety, the military, and everyday work. From motion-sickness breakthroughs to AR battlefield overlays to walking through virtual worlds inside an Axon Training Pod, this episode explores how immersive tech is rapidly reshaping human learning, communication, and safety.

In this lively episode of Boldly Go, former Axon president Luke Larson and current president Josh Isner join for a candid, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation about Axon’s evolution, culture, and leadership lessons learned along the way. From stuffed-animal giveaways that turned into marketing gold, to the origins of the Axon watermark, to stories of mentorship, risk-taking, and rewarding employees in memorable ways, this episode captures the bold spirit that built a true mission-driven company. Listen in for takes on authenticity, fun at work, and what it takes to keep innovating while staying true to Axon’s fearless values.

In this laugh-out-loud episode of Boldy Go, Rick Smith, Mike Wagers, and special guests Luke Larson and Josh Isner swap stories about Axon’s scrappy early days, leadership lessons, and the missteps that built the company’s culture. From a rejected job candidate who became president, to fake-blood office pranks and bold bets that paid off, this conversation is packed with humor, humility, and heart. The team reflects on the power of resilience, creative risk-taking, and shared ownership — and why sometimes the best leadership advice really is, “Never buy a private jet.”

In Episode 17 of Boldly Go, Rick Smith and Mike Wagers dive deep into artificial intelligence, exponential technological change, and the bold future ahead. From Ray Kurzweil’s predictions to real-world applications of ChatGPT, MidJourney, and Grok, they explore how AI is reshaping everything—from public safety to personal health and even human relationships. With humor, candor, and a few unforgettable stories, this episode tackles the promise and peril of a rapidly accelerating digital age.

In Episode 16 of Boldly Go, Rick Smith continues his conversation with former Axon President Luke Larson, diving into the pivotal years that transformed Taser into Axon. Luke shares stories of bold marketing stunts, the turning point after Ferguson, and how Axon’s culture of creativity and values like “Expect Candor” and “Boldly Go” shaped its rise. From stuffed dinosaurs to company costume parties, to the life-changing impact of mission-driven work, this episode highlights how Axon not only met the moment—but built a legacy of purpose, innovation, and love.

When a stolen prototype disappears and an unexpected guest breaks in, the Boldly Go crew must decode what’s real, what’s planted, and who’s playing who. Secrets unravel—and so does trust.

Rick Smith and Mike Wagers recount Axon’s 2004-05 crucible—media hit-jobs, short-seller assaults and a hidden mole—and the audacious Axon Flex pivot that resurrected the company and ignited modern body-camera tech.

Rick and Mike rewind to 2005, the year Axon (formerly TASER International) faced its toughest battles yet—SEC investigations, internal betrayal, patent controversies, and relentless media scrutiny. Recorded from picturesque locations in Maui and North Carolina, this episode dives deep into the resilience and grit that kept the company alive amidst chaos, highlighting crucial leadership lessons from one of Axon's most turbulent chapters.

Episode 12 of the Boldly Go podcast continues the deep dive into addressing and rebutting claims made in a John Oliver segment criticizing Axon and the use of tasers. Rick Smith and Mike Wagers methodically challenge the narrative presented on the show, particularly around the topic of "excited delirium," the role of tasers in in-custody deaths, and the portrayal of Axon's practices.This episode reaffirms Axon's mission to save lives through effective, less-lethal technology and sheds light on the broader public misconceptions around taser safety, law enforcement training, and the media's influence on public perception.

Join Rick and Mike in Episode 11 of the Boldly Go Podcast as they unpack a lively and insightful response to comedian John Oliver's controversial take on Axon and TASER technology. Mixing humor with serious myth-busting, the hosts set the record straight on misinformation, delve into the rigorous science and safety testing behind TASER devices, and share candid stories behind some headline-grabbing moments. Expect an engaging conversation that balances laughs with a thoughtful look at the life-and-death business of law enforcement tech.

In Episode 10, join renowned medical expert Dr. Jeffrey Ho as he takes us into the lab to scientifically explore how TASER devices affect the human body. Through carefully controlled experiments and detailed medical analysis, Dr. Ho provides insights into stress physiology, debunks common misconceptions, and shares key findings from decades of rigorous testing—revealing how science is making policing safer for everyone.

Get ready for a hard-hitting, myth-shattering episode of the Boldly Go Podcast! Rick Smith and Mike Wagers join forces with legendary biomedical inventor and electrophysiology expert Dr. Mark Kroll to dismantle the biggest myths surrounding TASER technology. Dive into explosive truths about alleged safety risks, media hype, and misunderstood practices like prone restraint. With razor-sharp data and real-world examples, discover why TASERs are essential tools in drastically reducing injuries and fatalities. It's a gripping, eye-opening exploration that reveals how innovation in policing saves lives. Join us in the Bat Cave for a candid, fact-filled discussion that separates reality from fiction and showcases the true power of the TASER.

Rick and Mike dive into Axon's most chaotic chapter yet — the post-IPO rocket ride that nearly blew the company up. Think Lamborghinis, soaring stock prices, and then... crash. A failed TASER test with Marine legend Hans Marrero sparks a last-minute overhaul of the X26 just six weeks before launch. Then a bold pricing move doubles revenue—and unknowingly funds Axon’s survival through an onslaught of lawsuits and media firestorms. From near collapse to becoming the fastest-growing stock on Wall Street, this is the real origin story of the X26 and the grit that built a juggernaut.

What do you get when you mix startup grit, a $500K lifeline, and one wild pitch tour? Rick and Mike unpack Axon’s bumpy, brilliant path to going public — including DIY due diligence, a pivotal banker, and a global roadshow that pulled out all the stops. This one’s a crash course in bold moves and high-stakes moments.

Hans Marrero once beat the Air TASER in a public demo—now he’s Axon’s Chief Instructor, reshaping how officers prepare for real-world encounters. In this episode, Hans joins Rick and Mike to talk combat mindset, tech-driven readiness, and why challenging the status quo is the first step to saving lives.

This one’s a rollercoaster. Rick, Mike, and returning guest Steve Tuttle take us deep into one of Axon's most chaotic chapters: the Auto Taser saga. From volcanic vibes to nearly bankrupting the company (and their families), this episode unpacks wild demos, near arrests, manufacturing nightmares, a full-on marketing blitz dubbed “Project Godzilla”… and the startup grit that somehow pulled them through. It’s a masterclass in surviving failure, complete with rogue steering wheel locks, a desert seizure scare, and the accidental meeting of Rick’s future wife. Don’t miss this epic lesson in resilience—and why nobody wanted the year-end bonus.

In this exciting episode, we’re joined by special guest Steve Tuttle to uncover the inspiring story behind Axon’s rise. Steve shares firsthand experiences of how bold innovation reshaped law enforcement training, sparking hope and driving meaningful change in communities everywhere. Tune in for a powerful conversation about courage, transformation, and the passion behind building a safer future.

Rick, Mike, and Abi Stock break down the boldest highlights from Axon Week 2025. From AI-powered tools and breakthrough tech to drone shows and donuts, it’s a fast-paced look at innovation, impact, and unforgettable stories.

In episode two of Boldly Go, co-hosts Rick Smith and Mike Wagers welcome their first guest: Espen , a real-life Viking and Norway’s head of TASER training. From MMA knockouts to jiu-jitsu takedowns, Espen brings brutal honesty, scientific rigor, and Norse-level intensity to a conversation about how cutting-edge training and next-gen TASER tech are reshaping law enforcement from the ground up.BOLDLY GO is the podcast where big ideas meet the future of public safety. Hosted by Axon Founder and CEO Rick Smith and former Seattle PD COO Mike Wagers, each episode explores the transformative tech, visionary leaders, and pioneering ventures shaping tomorrow. Hear unfiltered conversations with the innovators redefining what’s possible—because the future doesn’t wait.Learn more at ⁠axon.com⁠FOLLOW US ON SOCIALLinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/company/axon-protect-life⁠Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/boldlygopodcast⁠X: ⁠x.com/boldlygopodcast⁠

In the inaugural episode of Boldly Go, co-hosts Rick Smith and Mike Wagers dive into the origins of TASER technology—from how the device got its name to the (many) failures that preceded Rick’s eventual success scaling a TASER energy weapon business in the late 1990s.BOLDLY GO is the podcast where big ideas meet the future of public safety. Hosted by Axon Founder and CEO Rick Smith and former Seattle PD COO Mike Wagers, each episode explores the transformative tech, visionary leaders, and pioneering ventures shaping tomorrow. Hear unfiltered conversations with the innovators redefining what’s possible—because the future doesn’t wait.Learn more at axon.comFOLLOW US ON SOCIALLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/axon-protect-lifeInstagram: instagram.com/boldlygopodcastX: x.com/boldlygopodcast