PODCAST · business
Building the Base
by Building the Base
"Building the Base" - an in-depth series of conversations with top entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders from tech, financial, industrial, and public sectors. Our special guests provide their unique perspectives on a broad selection of topics such as: shaping our future national security industrial base, the impact of disruptive technologies, how new startups can increasingly contribute to national security, and practical tips on leadership and personal development whether in government or the private sector.Building the Base is hosted by Lauren Bedula, is Managing Director and National Security Technology Practice Lead at Beacon Global Strategies, and the Honorable Jim "Hondo" Geurts who retired from performing the duties of the Under Secretary of the Navy and was the former Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development & Acquisition and Acquisition Executive at United States Special Operations Command.
Episodes
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Capacity as Deterrent: The Defense Production Imperative with Ken Bedingfield, L3Harris
In this episode of Building the Base, Hondo Geurts and Lauren Bedula sit down with Ken Bedingfield, Chief Financial Officer and President of Missile Solutions at L3Harris. This episode was recorded on December 6, 2025 at the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, CA. Ken discusses his...
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Patient Capital, Urgent Mission: Paul Kwan on Funding Defense Innovation
In this episode of Building the Base, Hondo Geurts and Lauren Bedula sit down with Paul Kwan, Managing Director at General Catalyst, where he leads the global resilience investment team, recorded live at the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley. Paul traces his path from reading The Hunt...
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Wide Not Deep: Anduril's Strategy for Modern Defense Manufacturing with CBO and President Matthew Steckman
In this episode of Building the Base, Hondo Geurts and Lauren Bedula sit down with Matthew Steckman, President and Chief Business Officer of Anduril Industries, recorded live at the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley. Matt discusses his path from being among the first dozen employees at...
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Beyond the Requirement: Mission Outcomes in the Age of Cloud and AI with David Appel, AWS
In this episode recorded live from the December 2025 Reagan National Defense Forum, hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts sit down with David Appel, Vice President of Global Government for Amazon Web Services. With 28 years at Raytheon before joining AWS, David brings a unique perspective on the...
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A Pentagon in Transition: Reform and Disruption with Rep. Adam Smith
In this episode recorded live from the 2025 Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts welcome back Ranking Member Adam Smith of the House Armed Services Committee for the second year in a row. Following his morning keynote address, Rep. Smith discusses the...
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Hon. Brent Ingraham on Data-Driven Management and Industrial Base Innovation
In this episode recorded live from the 2025 Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts sit down with the Honorable Brent Ingraham, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology. Secretary Ingraham shares his remarkable journey…
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Rep. Rob Wittman on the Speed of Relevance in Modernizing America's Defense Industrial Base
In this episode recorded live from the 2025 Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts sit down with Congressman Rob Wittman, Vice Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and Co-Chair of the Defense Modernization Caucus. Congressman Wittman shares…
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From Democratizing Finance to Powering Space: Baiju Bhatt's Patriotic Mission
In this episode recorded live from the 2025 Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts sit down with Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of Robinhood and founder and CEO of Aetherflux. Baiju shares his remarkable journey from the son of Indian immigrants, his mother...
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Hon. Mike Dodd on Advancing Critical Technologies for the American Warfighter
In this episode recorded live from the 2025 Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts sit down with the Honorable Michael "Mike" Dodd, Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies and Acting Deputy Director of the Defense Innovation Unit. Secretary...
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Ghost Fleet at 10: Fiction as a Strategic Tool with author August Cole
In this episode of Building the Base, Hondo Geurts and Lauren Bedula sit down with August Cole, strategist, author, and futurist who has spent his career exploring fiction's role in national security strategy. Drawing from his journey from Wall Street Journal journalist covering defense and...
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Academia's Role in National Security with Jamie Jones Miller of Northeastern University Arlington
In this episode of Building the Base, Hondo Geurts and Lauren Bedula sit down with Jamie Jones Miller, CEO of Northeastern University's Arlington campus and Interim Director of the Kostas Research Institute. Drawing from her journey from Capitol Hill legislative work on the House Armed Services...
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Innovation at the Speed of Battle with Zach Beecher of Scout Ventures
In this episode of Building the Base, Hondo Geurts and Lauren Bedula sit down with Zach Beecher, Partner at Scout Ventures, who brings a unique perspective from serving as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division in Iraq to now leading dual-use technology investments on the front lines of...
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No Substitute for Victory: A Green Beret's Defense Mission with Rep. Pat Harrigan
In this episode of Building the Base, Hondo Geurts and Lauren Bedula sit down with Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10), who brings a rare combination of Special Forces experience, defense entrepreneurship, and fresh congressional perspective to America's national security challenges. Drawing from…
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Innovation through Incrementalism: Rep. Jim Himes, Ranking Member, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
In this episode of Building the Base, Hondo Geurts and Lauren Bedula sit down with Ranking Member Jim Himes (D-CT), who serves on both the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Financial Services Committee. Drawing from his unique background spanning Wall Street and…
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From Submariner to CEO: Cameron McCord's Journey Building Nominal
In this episode of Building the Base, Hondo Geurts and Lauren Bedula reconnect with Cameron McCord, Co-Founder and CEO of Nominal, two years after his first appearance on the show (linked here). Drawing from his unique journey from submarine officer (484 days underwater) to defense tech...
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Financing the Fight with Chris Lay and James Parker of Leonid Capital Partners
In this episode of Building the Base, Hondo Geurts and Lauren Bedula are joined by James Parker and Chris Lay, co-founding partners of Leonid Capital Partners, a private credit fund supporting the US national security ecosystem. Drawing from their unique backgrounds in astrophysics and...
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"From Production Lines to Front Lines," with Becca Wasser and Philip Sheers of CNAS
In this episode of Building the Base, Hondo Geurts and Lauren Bedula are joined by Becca Wasser and Philip Sheers from the Center for New American Security (CNAS) to discuss their recent report, "From Production Lines to Front Lines." Drawing from extensive industry research and stakeholder...
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"Supply Chains Win Wars": Rare Earth Magnets with John Maslin, CEO Vulcan Elements
In this episode of Building the Base, Hondo Geurts and Lauren Bedula sit down with John Maslin, Co-founder and CEO of Vulcan Elements, for an insightful conversation about the critical importance of rare earth magnets to U.S. national security. Drawing from his background as a Navy Supply Corps...
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Founders in Focus Part 2: Tyler Sweatt, Josh Lospinoso + Troy Demmer (Recorded @ Manifest: Demo Day)
Today's episode of Building the Base is part two of our "Founders in Focus" series, recorded at Manifest: Demo Day where 34 companies from across the defense industrial base demoed their disruptive tech. Hosts Hondo and Lauren caught up with some of the most dynamic founders: Tyler Sweatt from...
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Founders in Focus Part 1: Jeff Cole, Doug Bernauer + Topher Haddad (Recorded @ Manifest: Demo Day)
Today's episode of Building the Base is part one of our "Founders in Focus" series, recorded at Manifest: Demo Day where 34 companies from across the defense industrial base demoed their disruptive tech. Hosts Hondo and Lauren caught up with some of the most dynamic founders: Jeff Cole from…
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Rapid Acquisition: Scaling Culture and Capabilities with Melissa Johnson, USSOCOM
In this episode of Building the Base, Melissa "Mojo" Johnson, Acquisition Executive at US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), offers a candid look into the world of military acquisition, drawing from her extensive experience with the Air Force's Rapid Capabilities Office and SOCOM. Five key...
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Driving Comprehensive Defense Acquisition Reform with Eric Lofgren
In this episode of Building the Base, Lauren and Hondo sit down with Eric Lofgren, a professional staff member on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Eric provides an insider's perspective on the need for comprehensive acquisition reform. He discusses his unexpected path to this role, initially...
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Bipartisan Breakthroughs: Rep. Pat Ryan, House Defense Modernization Caucus
In this episode of Building the Base, Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts sit down with Congressman Pat Ryan (NY-18). Rep. Ryan represents a diverse district of 800,000 in upstate New York, which includes his alma mater, West Point. An Iraq war veteran, Rep. Ryan transitioned from active duty, to...
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Next-Gen Defense: AI on the Frontlines with Thomas Robinson, COO Domino Data Lab
This episode of Building the Base features an interview with Thomas Robinson, Chief Operating Officer of Domino Data Lab, who has an interesting background in finance and a strong passion for contributing to national security. Hosted by Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts, the conversation dives into...
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Defending Against the Drone Threat: Counter-UAS Applications with Andy Lowery, CEO Epirus
In this episode of Building the Base, Andy Lowery, CEO of Epirus, discusses his journey from his days as a Navy reactor operator to leading a counter-UAS high-power microwave (HPM) system company. Epirus' HPM technology, which uses electromagnetic pulses to disable drones, has been tested...
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Looking Ahead: National Security in a New Administration with Nadia Schadlow and Stephen Rodriguez
This episode of Building the Base features a discussion with Nadia Schadlow, a Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute, and Stephen Rodriguez, an investor in the defense tech space who is leading The Atlantic Council's work on Software-Defined Warfare. Nadia and Stephen have extensive backgrounds…
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Incentivizing Defense Innovation: Rep. Adam Smith, Ranking Member, House Armed Services Committee
In this episode of Building the Base, Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts sit down with Rep. Adam Smith, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, to discuss the critical role of innovation and competition in modernizing the defense industrial base. Ranking Member Smith reflects on his...
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Answering the Call: Hon. Heidi Shyu, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
In this episode of Building the Base, Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts sit down with the Honorable Heidi Shyu, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. Ms. Shyu discusses her transition from industry to government, highlighting her role in accelerating technological innovation…
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"Co-opetition" in Defense with Teresa Carlson, President, General Catalyst Institute
In this episode of Building The Base, Hondo Geurts and Lauren Bedula sit down with Teresa Carlson, founding president of General Catalyst Institute. Drawing from her extensive experience leading public sector teams at AWS and Microsoft, Carlson shares invaluable insights on building successful...
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Gina Sims, Director of DoD SBIR/STTR Program
In this episode of Building the Base, Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts speak with Gina Sims, Director of the DoD's SBIR/STTR office, about revolutionizing defense innovation. Sims shares her journey from Air Force acquisition to leading the $3 billion small business innovation program, discussing…
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Thomas "Shotgun" Browning, performing the duties of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Mission Capabilities (ASD(MC)) OUSD(R&E)
In this episode of Building the Base, hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts chat with Thomas "Shotgun" Browning, currently performing the duties of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Mission Capabilities, to share insights on modernizing defense technology acquisition. Drawing from his experience…
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Tracy Frost and Dr. Kate Sixt, DoD Research and Engineering OUSD
In this episode of Building the Base, Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts sit down with Tracy Frost, Director of Technology Industrial Innovation Base, and Dr. Kate Sixt, Principal Director for Biotechnology at the Department of Defense. The conversation explores the revolutionary intersection of...
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Jason Rathje, Director Office of Strategic Capital - DoD
In this episode of Building the Base, Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts welcome back Jason Rathje, Director of the Department of Defense's Office of Strategic Capital (OSC), as the first-ever repeat guest. Jason shares his personal journey from an early passion for technology and innovation to…
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Bess Dopkeen, Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
DoD Minseries : Maintaining The Edge Research and Engineering; Part 1 of 4 In this episode of Building the Base, Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts sit down with Bess Dopkeen, Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering (DoD R&E). Broadcasting live from the Pentagon,...
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Evan Smith, CEO Altana AI
In this episode of Building The Base, hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts chat with Evan Smith, co-founder and CEO of Altana AI. Together, they explore how emerging technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence, are revolutionizing global supply chains and advancing national security.…
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Balancing Risk with Reward, with VADM(Ret) Mike Moran, NatSec Advisor and former Navy PEO
In this episode of "Building the Base," Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts sit down with VADM (Ret) Mike Moran, a distinguished leader in military acquisition and naval aviation. Admiral Moran shares his journey from an operational career in the Navy to leading transformative acquisition processes,...
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Buy Wins Not Products with Justin Fanelli, CTO of The United States Navy
In this episode of Building the Base, our hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Guerts dive in with Justin Fanelli CTO of the United States Navy. The conversation revolved around the defense industry, digital transformation in government, and the importance of professional curiosity and humility in...
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Cybersecurity Is National Security with Dmitri Alperovitch
In this episode of "Building the Base," hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts sit down with cybersecurity expert and entrepreneur Dmitri Alperovitch. Dmitri shares his journey from immigrating to the United States from Russia to co-founding CrowdStrike, a leading cybersecurity company. He…
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Venture Meets Mission with Arun Gupta
In this episode of Building The Base, Hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts dive in with Arun Gupta venture Capitalist, CEO of the Noble Reach Foundation and Author of "Venture Meets Mission". They Discuss the growing trend of mission-driven entrepreneurship and the need for collaboration between...
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Decision Intelligence and AI with Priceline Co Founder Paul Breitenbach
In this episode of Building the Base, Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts chat with Paul Breitenbach, co-founder of Priceline and founder of R4, a company focused on AI technology. Paul shares his journey from being a musician in New Jersey to a successful tech entrepreneur, highlighting his...
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Adapting to Change with Niloofar Razi Howe
In this episode of Building The Base our Host Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts dive into a compelling conversation with Nilooofar Razi Howe, a prominent investor, executive, and entrepreneur. Niloo shares her remarkable journey from navigating revolutions as a child to becoming deeply involved in...
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Digital Partner Collaboration with UK LTC Tuni Masi
In this episode of the Digital Warfighting Series with CENTCOM, the focus is on the digital aspect of partnered operations, particularly exploring international components. Lieutenant Colonel Tuni Massey, a British Army Officer embedded within the US Central Command’s J6 branch, discusses the…
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Digital Combatant Command Coordination, with BG John Cogbill
In this episode of the "Digital Warfighting Series with CENTCOM,"co-hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts sit down with Brigadier General John Cogbill from CENTCOM to explore the strategic implications of digital transformation in modern warfare. From operationalizing the commander's vision to...
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Digital Air Combat Operations with Col Garrett "Nails" Hogan
In this episode of the "Digital Warfighting Series with CENTCOM," co-hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts welcome Colonel Garrett Hogan, callsign "Nails," to discuss technology and innovation in supporting the mission of US Central Command (CENTCOM). Colonel Hogan, with 20 years of experience as…
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Digital Counter-UAS Operations with COL Molly Solsbury
In this episode of the Digital Warfighting Series with CENTCOM, co-hosts Hondo Geurts and Lauren Bedula are joined by Colonel Molly Solsbury to delve into the digital side of counter UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems). Col. Solsbury, Commander of the 513 Military Intelligence Brigade, shares her…
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Intro - Digital Warfare Series : U.S. CENTCOM
In this kickoff episode of the Special Four Part Series, "Digital Warfighting Series with CENTCOM," our Hosts Lauren and Hondo chat with Schuyler Moore, the Chief Technology Officer of Central Command (CENTCOM). Schuyler puts in context the ongoing digital transformation efforts within CENTCOM as…
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Picking Winners w/ Trae Stephens , Co- Founder Anduril
“If you create opportunities, and don't pick winners, then there are no winners, and then the capital runs away, the founders that are interested in the market run away, and you end up right back where you started” - Trae Stephens In this episode of the Building the Base podcast, hosts Lauren...
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Jim Hake, CEO and Founder - Spirit of America
I love starting things. I love ideas, I love creating. And America provides the best opportunity for the realization of human potential there is. - Jim Hake . In this episode of "Building the Base," hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts welcome Jim Hake, the founder of Spirit of America, a unique...
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Honorable Dana Deasy Former Department of Defense Chief Information Officer (DoD CIO)
"The DOD is designed to give responsibility down to the lowest level, and that is the complexity that must be solved for. But we are never going to move with speed if we keep it down at the lowest common denominator." - Dana Deasy In this episode of "Building the Base," hosts Lauren Bedula and...
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Shelly O'Neill Stoneman, SVP Government Affairs Lockheed Martin
"It's not de-globalization; it's being really thoughtful about which allies and partners to use, and perhaps even 'friend-shoring'...thinking clearly about which allies and partners to use." - Shelly O'Neill Stoneman In this episode of Building the Base, Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts welcome...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
"Building the Base" - an in-depth series of conversations with top entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders from tech, financial, industrial, and public sectors. Our special guests provide their unique perspectives on a broad selection of topics such as: shaping our future national security industrial base, the impact of disruptive technologies, how new startups can increasingly contribute to national security, and practical tips on leadership and personal development whether in government or the private sector.Building the Base is hosted by Lauren Bedula, is Managing Director and National Security Technology Practice Lead at Beacon Global Strategies, and the Honorable Jim "Hondo" Geurts who retired from performing the duties of the Under Secretary of the Navy and was the former Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development & Acquisition and Acquisition Executive at United States Special Operations Command.
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How many episodes does Building the Base have?
Building the Base currently has 89 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Building the Base about?
"Building the Base" - an in-depth series of conversations with top entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders from tech, financial, industrial, and public sectors. Our special guests provide their unique perspectives on a broad selection of topics such as: shaping our future national security...
How often does Building the Base release new episodes?
Building the Base has 89 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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You can listen to Building the Base on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Building the Base?
Building the Base is created and hosted by Building the Base.
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