Hardpoints

In the first 72 hours of Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. Navy fired roughly 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles into Iran. More than the total number produced over the previous five years. Seven weeks later, we'd burned through half our Patriot interceptors, half our THAAD missiles, 30% of our Tomahawks, and 45% of our precision strike missiles. The Pentagon is now asking for a 1,327% increase in Tomahawk procurement. And it takes 24 months to build a single one. So what does it actually mean to run out of bullets - and what happens next? Mike and Neal break down the real numbers behind America's munitions crisis, why the defense acquisitions system is so broken that a weapon built on 40-year-old technology somehow costs $2.6 million per shot, and what a startup-driven defense economy might actually look like. They also get into the part nobody's talking about: China is watching all of this very closely, and the stockpile we just burned through is the same one standing between Taiwan and a very bad day. Plus: the Iran war isn't ending anytime soon and the administration doesn't have the negotiators to close it, off-lease EVs just got shockingly affordable, and the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting - why political violence is never the answer, full stop. And yes, they read the harshest listener comment they've ever received. MarkStuber4731, this one's for you! Got a take? Email us: [email protected] Follow Hardpoints wherever you get your podcasts.

Anthropic built an AI so dangerous they refused to release it. Mythos taught itself to find vulnerabilities, chain them together, and take down entire systems — autonomously, in minutes. No human in the loop. No patch fast enough to stop it. By Anthropic's own assessment, left unchecked it could dismantle a Fortune 100 company and disrupt large parts of the internet before your IT team finishes their morning coffee. So instead of releasing it, they handed it to 12 companies — Apple, Google, Microsoft, JP Morgan, and yes, the NSA — under a classified program called Glasswing. The idea: give the defenders a head start before attackers get the same capability. Here's the problem. Dario Amodei, Anthropic's own CEO, says open-source Chinese models will hit Mythos-level capability in 6 to 12 months. This was never really a technology story. It's a geopolitical one — and we're not sure the people in charge are equipped to handle it. Mike and Neal break down what Mythos actually does, why your power grid is the most terrifying target on the map, and how AI-powered phishing attacks are already hitting small businesses with click-through rates that should scare the hell out of you. They also get into where the real startup opportunity lives inside all of this — because defense tech is about to have a moment, and the window won't stay open forever. Plus: California's battery grid quietly hits a landmark milestone, the data center bubble shows its first real cracks, and the goods, bads, and others — including Neal's travel hell, a birthday, and Mike's feelings about the Baltimore Orioles. This is the stuff that's actually shaping your world. Let's get into it. Got a take? Email us: [email protected] Follow Hardpoints wherever you get your podcasts.

95% of all international internet traffic — every email, financial transaction, and military communication crossing the ocean — runs through undersea cables that are almost entirely unguarded. Russia and China figured this out. And they're using it. - Why dragging an anchor across a cable is legal under international maritime law — and why that's exactly the point - A Swedish submarine commander's assessment from this week's NATO meeting: "We're not at peace, but we're not at war" - How the U.S. did this first in 1971 — Operation Ivy Bells — and why our Cold War underwater surveillance infrastructure (SOSUS) has since atrophied - Neal's Ramadi 2005-2006 insurgency parallel: why a smaller, nimbler force doesn't need to win, it just needs to be a pain in the butt - The asymmetric defense problem: cables are thousands of miles long, unbuilt for hardening, and one cut takes out the whole line - Where the startup opportunities actually are: undersea drone fleets, cheap mesh sensor networks, faster cable repair — and why NATO has money for this - Why distributed wind and solar might be the real answer to energy infrastructure security — and why Mike and Neal are already talking to the DoD about it Hardpoints is hosted by Mike Smith (CEO of Aclymate, former U.S. Navy FA-18 pilot) and Neal Rickner (CEO of Airloom, former Marine Corps FA-18 pilot). Every week: energy security, national security, and the startup economy.

There's $2 trillion a year flowing into energy — and almost none of it is reaching the startups that could actually change things. Mike and Neal break down the full investment stack, and don't pull punches on where the money is going wrong. Why $2 trillion sounds huge but early-stage clean energy VC has declined three years running — and how AI ate the rest Mike's case that nuclear fusion is a scam: the Trump Media/$6B fusion merger, Sam Altman's track record, and what an MIT nuclear fusion PhD actually says about its odds Why enhanced geothermal is the one legitimate moonshot — proven tech, perfect US geology, and a potential CO₂ capture angle nobody's talking about The green hydrogen myth: 70% energy loss, no infrastructure, and why Japan bet on the wrong horse Grid tech's real enemy: not the technology, the regulators Trump paying $1 billion to stop an 80%-complete offshore wind project — and who actually picks up that tab Hardpoints is hosted by Mike Smith (CEO of Aclymate, former U.S. Navy FA-18 pilot) and Neal Rickner (CEO of Airloom, former Marine Corps FA-18 pilot) — two founders with skin in the game on energy and national security.

The Iranian regime broadcast a message on national TV: parents, go tell your children not to protest — and if something happens to them, don't complain. Then five to eight million people went to the streets anyway. The government admitted to 3,100 dead. Our guest estimates 15,000 to 20,000. In this episode: Why Moein Mahmoudi — former Tehran energy startup operator, still has family in Iran — gives the war a "soft no" on producing real regime change - The January protests: the largest Moein has seen in 33 years, every city, every small town - What "regime change" actually means, and why swapping one IRGC-connected figure for another isn't it - How sanctions built a two-tier economy: the regime's connected insiders run oil empires while ordinary Iranians earn $85/month - The Strait of Hormuz reality check: oil futures at $100/barrel, physical barrels selling at $180 — and what that's doing to EVs, fertilizer, and U.S. industrial competitiveness - Why China now installs more than half the world's new industrial automation equipment — and is starting to build the robots too Hardpoints is hosted by Mike Smith (CEO of Aclymate, former U.S. Navy FA-18 pilot) and Neal Rickner (CEO of Airloom, former Marine Corps FA-18 pilot). Every week: energy security, national security, and the startup economy — the real dynamics behind the headlines.

"This episode of Hardpoints tackles a threat that sounds hypothetical—but isn’t: Chinese military-linked operators are already inside parts of the U.S. power grid, quietly mapping systems, learning terrain, and waiting. Mike and Neal break down what the grid actually is (spoiler: not one single system, but a patchwork of 3,300 utilities, co-ops, regional operators, and vulnerable infrastructure), and why the distinction between IT systems and OT systems matters so much. They explain how modernization brought efficiency—smart meters, remote monitoring, digital control—but also opened doors that used to stay shut. Enter Volt Typhoon, the Chinese unit with the coolest name and one of the most chilling missions: not stealing data, but preparing the battlefield. The conversation gets into the real strategic implications: - Why grid access is less about theft and more about temporary denial of capability - How turning off power at the wrong moment could disrupt fueling, command and control, logistics, and military response in a Taiwan scenario - Why even a short disruption could cause civilian panic and economic paralysis far beyond the battlefield - What Ukraine and Russia have already shown us about cyber + physical attacks on critical infrastructure - And why replacing damaged grid hardware—especially transformers—is nowhere near as simple as flipping a switch They also go hard at the institutional failure behind it all: the federal office responsible for grid cybersecurity published its first strategic plan after six years of existence. Mike and Neal ask the obvious question: what exactly were they doing the whole time? And even where the goals sound right—hardening infrastructure, protecting defense-critical energy assets, improving energy delivery—the funding contradictions are glaring. Also in the episode: - A mailbag note on Iran, oil, EV adoption, and the politics of high gas prices - Goods, bads, and others: spring break anticipation, deep pessimism about the U.S. position in Iran, wildfire fears in Colorado, Neal’s new e-bike commute, podcast platform glitches now fixed, and the still-unfinished saga of SBIR reauthorization Hardpoints is the podcast about energy security in the startup economy—what’s changing, what it means, and why it matters."

"In this episode of Hardpoints, Mike and Neal zoom out from the daily headlines to unpack the big geopolitical logic of oil war—and why the U.S. may be repeating one of history’s most dangerous patterns. Starting with the often-overlooked role the U.S. oil embargo played in pushing Japan toward Pearl Harbor, they ask a sharp question: when great powers weaponize energy, do they actually gain leverage—or just create the conditions for a bigger disaster? That history becomes the frame for the present. The U.S. is squeezing Iranian oil, seizing Venezuelan oil, and trying to contain Chinese access to energy flows—while at the same time easing pressure on Russian oil to keep prices from spiking at home. The result is a strategic picture that feels less like grand strategy and more like a contradiction machine: China gets pressured, but not panicked; Russia gets boxed in, then handed new revenue; and Iran keeps enough leverage to make the Strait of Hormuz a lasting pain point. Mike and Neal break down the central tension in plain English: energy is not just another commodity. It’s what militaries move on, what economies run on, and what gives states room to maneuver. That means embargoes and sanctions are never just financial tools—they are strategic pressure campaigns, and history shows that countries under extreme pressure do not always back down. Sometimes they lash out. Sometimes they adapt. Sometimes they find new partners and wait for you to blink first. The conversation then turns to China’s position, and why Beijing may be in better shape than many Americans realize. Thanks to years of aggressive investment in EVs, solar, wind, and industrial policy, China is less vulnerable to oil disruption than it would have been a decade ago. It still needs massive imports, but it has built more resilience, more domestic energy leverage, and more strategic patience. In Mike’s view, that means China can afford to let the U.S. absorb more of the economic and political pain while it waits for the right moment to tighten the leash on Iran—or not. From there, the discussion gets even more uncomfortable: is the U.S. accidentally helping Russia? By loosening pressure on Russian oil to manage domestic fuel prices, Washington may be helping refill the Kremlin’s war chest even as Russia continues its assault on Ukraine. Neal frames Ukraine as the key domino in the current global order: if the U.S. signals that borders can be changed by force and allies are conditional, the second- and third-order effects spread far beyond Eastern Europe. They also dig into what this means for Israel, Iran, and the wider Middle East. If this conflict doesn’t produce regime change in Tehran—and both hosts are skeptical that it will—then what exactly stabilizes? More Marines? More strikes? More sanctions? Or just a region that is now even harder to settle, with fewer off-ramps and more actors incentivized to keep the pressure on? Mike argues that the medium- and long-term picture looks bleak: the U.S. may have weakened Iran militarily in the short run, but at the cost of worsening its strategic position over time. The episode closes by widening the lens one more time. This is not just about oil prices, tankers, or one regional conflict. It is about whether the U.S. is giving up the role of global hegemony without admitting it, and whether China is quietly doing what rising powers do best: making fewer mistakes while the incumbent power burns energy, money, credibility, and lives. There’s also reader mail, some March Madness energy, baseball talk, weather weirdness, and a little catharsis about why Twitter still feels like voluntarily walking into a sewer. If you want an episode that connects history, energy markets, war, China, Russia, and America’s shrinking strategic discipline, this one does exactly that."

In Episode 37, Mike and Neal tackle one of the darkest and most consequential questions to come out of the Iran strikes: who killed 175 schoolgirls at a girls’ elementary school near the Strait of Hormuz? Early official narratives tried to muddy the waters, but the evidence points to a grim possibility—a U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missile hit the school three times. So how does something like that happen? Drawing on their firsthand military experience, Mike and Neal break down how a strike like this is actually planned. From the targeting cycle and collateral damage assessments, to prebuilt strike packages and Tomahawk mission planning, they explain the machinery behind modern warfare in terms normal people can actually follow. This is not abstract punditry—it’s two former military aviators walking through the process and showing where the chain may have broken down. The core of the conversation is accountability. If this was not intentional, then what failed? Was outdated intelligence pulled off the shelf? Was a military facility converted into a school without the targeting package being updated? Did planners miss obvious visual cues in overhead imagery that should have identified the site as civilian? Mike and Neal argue that while war is chaotic, this kind of mistake is still preventable—and the standard for the most capable military in the world has to be higher. They also get into the information war that followed. Why did the White House try to suggest Iran had somehow bombed its own school? Why do false narratives appear so quickly after high-casualty events? And what happens when political leaders default to spin instead of admitting error and learning from it? The episode draws a sharp line between the tragic fog of war and the refusal to tell the truth afterward. From there, the discussion widens to the broader campaign. Mike explains why Tomahawks were likely used early in the strikes before air superiority was established, and why stand-off weapons change the nature of target verification. Then the focus shifts to the Strait of Hormuz: if one of the Navy’s basic missions is to keep sea lanes open, why is the strait still effectively closed? The guys unpack the strategic incentives facing Iran, the limits of convoy operations, the risks to merchant shipping, and why neither markets nor navies can simply wave a wand and make global energy chokepoints safe again. The episode also includes reader mail, a quick debate over how long the Iran war may last, and the usual goods, bads, and others—from Neal dodging a DC trip for one more week, to Mike worrying that winter itself may be dying in the American West. This one is blunt, technical, and morally serious. If you want a grounded conversation about military targeting, strategic deception, accountability in war, and the real-world consequences of getting it wrong, Episode 37 is one of the heaviest Hardpoints conversations yet.

In this episode of Hardpoints, Mike and Neal break down the opening days of a rapidly escalating war with Iran. Following Operation Epic Fury - coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear sites, missile infrastructure, and regime leadership—the conflict expands across the region. As of March 2 (the recording date), Khamenei is dead, four American servicemembers have been killed, Iran is striking back against U.S. bases, and the fight is spilling into Lebanon. Neal (a former Iraq war pilot) and Mike (a former targeteer) walk through what most headlines miss: what daylight strike operations mean for risk, how air defenses and “pucker factor” shape the first hours, and why tactical dominance doesn’t automatically translate into strategic success. They dig into the hard questions: - If Iran built a deep succession bench, what does “regime change” even mean operationally? - Does the “80% oppose the regime” theory translate into action - or does pressure cause the population to rally around the flag? - What happens if there’s no viable alternative power structure and Iran slides toward failed-state chaos? - What does this conflict mean for the Strait of Hormuz, regional basing access, and global energy markets? - And what lessons are China and Russia drawing - especially as U.S. credibility and the post-WWII order feel increasingly fragile? The episode closes with a mailbag note on defending nuance in energy debates, plus goods/bads/others - from an 86-year-old father being honored for building community college foundations, to winter beach weather in February, to the U.S. government escalating pressure on Anthropic, and the accelerating reality of AI writing its own code - raising unsettling questions about where humanity fits in the intelligence spectrum as the world changes faster than we can absorb. Hardpoints is the podcast about energy security in the startup economy - what’s changing, what it means, and why it matters.

Episode 34 tackles a seismic shift in U.S. climate policy: the administration’s February 12 move to strike down the EPA’s 2009 Endangerment Finding—the legal foundation underpinning nearly every major federal climate regulation for the past 17 years. Mike and Neal break down what the Endangerment Finding actually did (and why it mattered), what its removal means for tailpipe rules, methane limits, power plant standards, and the broader regulatory framework—plus the real near-term impact: years of courtroom battles and massive uncertainty for businesses trying to plan, invest, and build. They debate whether this change will meaningfully alter emissions trajectories in the short term, why state-level leadership (and global market forces) may keep climate action moving anyway, and what this moment signals for founders and investors navigating climate and energy startups. Neal argues it’s a collective action gut-punch; Mike counters that it’s a reminder people and companies still have agency—and that “in spite of” can still drive progress. Also in this episode: A mailbag note from the drone world on “not invented here” culture—and why requiring a flight medical for FPV competition feels like innovation going backwards Goods, bads, and others: startup teams showing up on a Saturday, geopolitical posturing near Iran, Mike’s dog becoming his walking buddy, ICE warehouse spending, and why the accelerating pace of AI-written code has huge implications for careers, parenting, and the future

Episode 33 dives straight into the collision between national security priorities and AI safety red lines. Mike and Neal unpack a brewing showdown: the Pentagon is pressuring major AI labs to sign onto an “any lawful use” policy by July 11, while Anthropic resists—refusing to allow its models to be used for fully autonomous weapons (no human-in-the-loop) or mass surveillance of Americans. The hosts break down what’s at stake in the kill chain, why “legal” doesn’t always mean “ethical,” and how a supply chain risk designation—typically reserved for foreign adversaries—could become a nuclear option against a U.S. startup. They also explore the power dynamics: Anthropic’s growing enterprise dominance (including developer tooling like Claude Code), the implications of AI systems writing the software that improves themselves, and what it means when government leverage can threaten an entire business model—not just a contract. Plus: a quick mailbag roundup (including a tipping debate), Neal’s snowy road trip with his boys, Mike’s “home is where my wife is” moment, and a shared worry about a too-warm Colorado winter and what that could mean for wildfire season. Hardpoints is the podcast about energy security in the startup economy—what’s changing, what it means, and why it matters

Neal’s back from Munich with a ground-truth readout from the security ecosystem surrounding the Munich Security Conference—and the headline is simple: in Europe, Ukraine isn’t one topic among many. It’s the topic. Speaker after speaker, conversation after conversation, the tone is existential: how does Ukraine win, how does Europe sustain support, and what does the continent do if American leadership keeps wobbling? From there, the conversation widens into what might be the most uncomfortable “vibe shift” Neal heard in real time: a defense company pitching “secure supply chain” on a slide… and proudly listing “no U.S. parts” right alongside “no Chinese parts.” The guys unpack what that implies—trust, procurement risk, political whiplash, and the slow-motion reality that allies can’t build their security posture around a partner they can’t predict. They also dig into the major themes orbiting Munich: talk of strengthening a European pillar in defense, large-scale joint procurement, and the incentives (and resentment) that could drive Europe to build more capacity at home rather than defaulting to American primes forever. Then it gets even thornier: the push for AI governance in security, including the principle of humans in the loop for lethal decisions. Mike and Neal wrestle with the hard tradeoff—war rewards speed and tight OODA loops, and machines will always outpace people—so what would it take to make human-in-the-loop rules real instead of ceremonial? Are we headed toward a world of automated “murder TV” at scale, and if so, is there any realistic version of arms control that can slow it down? Finally, Munich’s lens expands beyond Europe: the Global South becomes a strategic battleground, especially as China’s Belt & Road investments build infrastructure, influence, and supply-chain leverage. And in a moment of peak irony, climate change gets elevated as a primary security threat—right as U.S. policy trends in the opposite direction. The episode wraps with listener mail (including a bleak emissions fact that hits hard), plus the weekly goods/bads/others: ski week plans get rained out, baseball hope springs eternal, and Aclymate feels like it’s catching a tailwind. If you’ve been looking for a clear, candid snapshot of how Europe is thinking about security right now—and what that means for alliances, defense industry, and the next phase of geopolitics—this one’s for you.

Ukraine’s power grid has become a frontline target—and drones are the weapon of choice. In this episode of Hardpoints, Mike and Neal continue the new shorter-format series with a focused look at drone warfare, energy infrastructure, and the Ukraine defense startup surge. They break down how Russia’s winter missile-and-drone campaigns are designed to do more than destroy hardware—aiming instead for strategic pressure: cutting heat and power, degrading communications, and testing morale at national scale. From Mike’s experience in cruise missile targeting and “systems effects” thinking, the conversation explores how attacks on energy infrastructure ripple outward into command-and-control, intelligence exposure, and operational paralysis. Neal then connects the dots to the rapid innovation cycle happening inside Ukraine—where startups, specialized funding, and battlefield iteration are accelerating the drone/electronic-warfare cat-and-mouse game from months to days. They also debate what this means for the future of U.S. force structure—especially the role (and vulnerability) of high-value assets like aircraft carriers in an era of cheap, scalable drone threats. Plus: a new listener mailbag segment, a heartfelt tribute to John McCain’s legacy, and a candid “goods, bads, and others” close. Have thoughts or questions? Email [email protected] and you might hear it on a future episode.

Global energy investment just hit $2.3 trillion—and batteries are at the center of it all. In this episode of Hardpoints, Mike and Neal kick off a new, tighter format by unpacking what that staggering number actually means for energy security, national competitiveness, and the startup economy. They dig into why battery technology has become critical infrastructure, how the Inflation Reduction Act reshaped (and didn’t fully reshape) the market, and why critical minerals now sit at the intersection of climate policy and national defense. The conversation spans: Why batteries are becoming as geopolitically important as oil The Trump administration’s critical minerals stockpile and what it gets right—and wrong Domestic mining vs. environmental protection Battery recycling, reuse, and the economics behind it China’s dominance in battery manufacturing and the CATL–Ford controversy National security risks hidden in battery firmware and supply chains How tariffs, regulatory uncertainty, and politics are slowing real progress The episode closes with reflections on current political unrest, civil liberties, and what it means when institutions fail to protect both security and democracy. As always, Hardpoints connects the dots between energy, national security, and the startup economy—cutting through headlines to explain what’s changing, why it matters, and what comes next. Have thoughts or questions? Email us at [email protected] and we may feature them in a future episode.

In this episode of Hardpoints, Mike and Neal dive into the intersection of energy security and the startup economy, discussing the implications of recent events and policies on the energy landscape. Mike shares his experiences from recent travels and events, highlighting the growing opportunities in the promotional products industry. The conversation shifts to the challenges posed by the increasing demand for energy due to AI and tech giants, with Mike expressing support for a proposal that would require these companies to contribute to power generation infrastructure. They explore the evolving role of NATO in defense innovation and the need for the U.S. to adapt its energy strategies in light of global competition, particularly with China. As the discussion progresses, Mike critiques the current administration's focus on fossil fuels and the missed opportunities in renewable energy. They analyze the implications of BP's recent write-down of green energy assets and the broader trends in the energy market, emphasizing the importance of innovation and investment in clean technologies. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of energy production, the necessity of balancing national security with globalization, and the potential for the U.S. to reclaim its leadership in clean energy development. Neal and Mike delve into the complexities of renewable energy, particularly focusing on offshore wind power and its potential to revolutionize the energy landscape in the U.S. They discuss the exponential growth potential of wind energy, the bureaucratic hurdles that have historically hindered progress, and the role of presidential authority in advancing renewable projects. The conversation shifts to the geopolitical implications of energy supply chains, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where energy infrastructure is under threat. They explore the resilience of renewable energy sources compared to fossil fuels in war zones and the broader implications for national security. The discussion then transitions to the startup economy, highlighting the rapid growth of AI-driven companies and the challenges faced by traditional venture capital models. Mike emphasizes the need for a shift in how businesses are built, advocating for a long-term vision over short-term gains. The episode concludes with reflections on the current state of the startup ecosystem, the importance of collaboration, and the necessity for a new approach to building sustainable businesses that can withstand economic fluctuations.

Hardpoints kicks off the new year with Mike and Neal swapping quick holiday stories—family downtime, e-bikes, skiing attempts—and then diving into a headline-dominating geopolitical event: Operation Absolute Resolve, a rapid U.S. special operations raid that allegedly captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife and brought them to the U.S. for prosecution. They unpack the whiplash of the operation’s tactical competence versus the strategic, legal, and moral chaos it creates—debating whether it’s clearly illegal under international law, murkier under U.S. law, and undeniably damaging to public trust in a civilian-controlled military when Congress is bypassed.They then shift to energy implications: Venezuela’s enormous reserves, near-term production uncertainty, and the idea that oil markets may not meaningfully benefit unless price and investment conditions align. The conversation explores motives beyond the stated “drugs” rationale—leaning toward oil interests, strongman politics, and spheres-of-influence thinking (Monroe Doctrine vibes, BRICS realignment, and implications for Russia/China/Iran influence in the Western Hemisphere). The biggest worry: the precedent this sets for global stability, especially Ukraine and Taiwan.In the back half, they pivot to the startup economy: layoffs, constrained fundraising, and a market that’s “selective but alive.” Mike notes climate tech is still tougher than the 2020–2021 boom, while AI is absorbing capital and reshaping what software businesses even are—pushing toward automation, fewer humans in workflows, and potentially long-term pressure on employment. They close with “goods/bads/others,” including burnout recovery, Colorado’s alarming lack of snow, concerns about rule-of-law erosion, and anger over reported retaliation against a prominent veteran-politician, ending on a sober note about institutions, accountability, and what comes next.

Managing risk is a huge part of being in the military, running a startup, and working national security. You have to push to find solutions, but you need to make sure it all doesn't blow up.In **“Pushing the Edge,”** Mike and Neal connect all three worlds — cockpits, data centers, and battlefields — to ask a hard question: *how far can you lean forward before you cross the line from bold to reckless?* They start with the grind of startup life and climate tech, where regulations in one country shape markets everywhere and climate change itself becomes “the greatest market forcing mechanism in history.” From there, they get into what it means to move from survival mode to disruption mode as a founder, and why defining culture and identity early can be the difference between being merely “world famous” and truly **world class**.On the national security and energy front, they dig into DOE’s rare earths push, mining landfills, and the tension between environmentalism and actually *building big stuff*. They wrestle with AI in critical infrastructure — grids, water systems, even aviation — and whether we’re quietly trading resilience for efficiency and new cyber vulnerabilities. That flows into a candid look at Anduril’s troubled drone tests, why failure is normal in frontier tech, and where pushing too fast can become unacceptable risk.Finally, they turn to the startup economy and duty: the collapse of Builder.ai as a kind of mini-Theranos, what ESG *really* is (risk management, not vibes), and why governance and personal responsibility matter from junior engineer to board member. The episode closes on the “Don’t Give Up the Ship” controversy, illegal orders, and the moral obligations of people in uniform — plus some personal good/bad/ugly on snowless Colorado winters, camping with kids, and a tech bubble that’s starting to feel wobbly.If you care about energy, defense, AI, or building companies that don’t implode under their own hype, this one’s a dense, honest lap around the track.

In this episode of Hardpoints, hosts Mike Smith and Neal Rickner delve into the intersection of energy security and the startup economy, exploring how these forces shape our world. They share personal anecdotes about Thanksgiving traditions, discuss the intricacies of cooking the perfect turkey, and reflect on the broader implications of societal and technological changes. The conversation also touches on the challenges of capitalism, the role of government in energy production, and the potential impacts of AI on the workforce. Join them for a thought-provoking discussion that blends humor, insight, and a touch of nostalgia.

In this episode of Hardpoints, hosts Mike Smith and Neal Rickner delve into the intricate world of rigged systems, from gambling scandals involving NBA players to the broader implications of a "casino economy." They explore how these dynamics affect everything from sports to energy security, and discuss the societal impacts of these rigged games. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges the status quo and uncovers the hidden forces shaping our world.

Aging jokes aside, Neal & Mike riff on precision in speech—why lazy phrases (“hate mail,” “to be honest…”) muddy debate and how clear language shapes how we think (Carlin’s “shell shock” → “PTSD” thread). Renewables overtake coal (H1 2025): Big milestone globally, driven heavily by China/India. Celebration tempered by frustration that U.S. policy/industry missteps are ceding ground (TPI bankruptcy, Ørsted layoffs). Coal’s collapse, policy whiplash: A massive Powder River Basin lease draws a token bid—coal’s economics keep sliding even as “energy dominance” rhetoric persists. The looming electricity crunch: AI, chips, and reshoring point to a ~36–38 GW near-term generation gap; utilities already seeking rate hikes. Gas is the fast bridge—but turbines and supply chains are bottlenecked. What households can do: Rooftop solar pencils out better as grid prices rise. DIY route = buy panels, do the racking/wiring, hire a master electrician for the final tie-in; tools like Project Sunroof help size a system. Ukraine, Russia & energy war: Targeting of energy assets escalates; Ukraine’s deep-strike capability pressures Russia’s infrastructure while Russian casualties and cash burn mount—energy flows are central to the war of attrition. Domestic politics turn combustible: Trump’s troop deployments to Chicago/Portland get labeled “war zones.” The hosts argue the facts don’t match the imagery, worry about legal overreach, and call for principled refusals of unlawful orders. Autonomy on the highway: $100M more into autonomous trucking (Einride). Long-haul seen as the first big AV beachhead; EV trucking still constrained by charging/logistics. A clever hybrid hack: Spotlight on REVOY’s powered “booster” trailer module—effectively turns diesel semis into hybrids with regen and swappable batteries to slash fuel costs without replacing tractors.

In this episode of Hardpoints, hosts Mike Smith and Neal Rickner are joined by Alexander McCoy, a veterans advocate and climate campaign leader, to explore the intricate connections between energy security, national policy, and climate change. The discussion delves into the historical and ongoing roles of oil companies, the importance of transitioning to renewable energy, and the impact of these dynamics on national security and the economy. With insights from McCoy's experiences in the Marines and his work with veterans, the conversation highlights the need for accountability, innovation, and a collective effort to create a sustainable future.

In this episode, Mike Smith and Neal Rickner discuss the intersection of energy security and the startup economy, touching on various themes such as public speaking, fundraising challenges, political violence, and the importance of free speech. They explore the implications of recent political events, the need for moral courage in leadership, and the urgency of improving energy infrastructure to meet growing demands, particularly in the context of AI. The conversation also delves into the role of government in fostering innovation and the challenges faced in renewable energy development, all while reflecting on the economic realities of current policies. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a unifying vision in politics and the dangers of divisive rhetoric.

Neal lands a lead investor—unlocking insider commitments and government matching funds—buying his company ~18 months of runway and hard-won momentum. Mike talks small-team turbulence and a parenting weekend that went sideways (bee sting + campout sushi). From there, the guys dive into the energy-policy whiplash hitting wind projects and what it signals for U.S. energy security and AI-driven load growth. Then they zoom out: memes, militarization, and a six-point “authoritarian playbook” (undermining norms, information control, polarization/scapegoating, weakening rule of law, cult of personality, and crisis exploitation). They wrestle with the legality of domestic Guard deployments, whether institutions will hold through 2026, and the real-world burden on officers asked to refuse illegal orders.

In this episode of Hardpoints, Mike and Neal weave personal stories—like sleepless nights, scout projects, and time outdoors—into heavier discussions on U.S. politics, national security, and the economy. They critique the deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. as a troubling sign of authoritarian overreach, debate the implications of a proposed government stake in Intel, and unpack Trump’s approach to Russia and Ukraine. Along the way, they highlight the fragility of democratic institutions, the danger of moral compromise, and the importance of individual responsibility. The episode closes with personal reflections on service, youth mentorship, and building tools for climate literacy.

This week on Hardpoints, Mike returns from an epic, no-internet, log-hopping backpacking trip in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, while Neal hustles through high-stakes fundraising and startup networking in Austin. The two dive into a whirlwind of hot-button issues—from Trump’s military moves in D.C., Epstein-fueled political distractions, and the looming Putin summit in Alaska, to Israel’s Gaza strategy, wildfire devastation in the West, and the dangerous heat building in the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, they debate the future of ESG, swap takes on GPT-5, and flag a brewing Supreme Court fight over same-sex marriage. Equal parts adventure recap, unfiltered political analysis, and tech talk—this episode is as unpredictable as the news cycle itself.

In this fiery and deeply personal episode of Hard Points, Mike and Neal dive into the illusion of leadership in American politics, kicking off with a sobering analysis of the proposed "Golden Dome" missile defense system and why it’s more fantasy than feasible. They chart the rise of China in advanced manufacturing and warn of America’s self-inflicted industrial decline. The duo laments the Democratic Party’s tone-deaf messaging, misplaced priorities, and inability to meet the moment—especially as the country faces real economic and social crossroads.  Along the way, they touch on everything from trans rights and national security to rail infrastructure and the politics of distraction. Raw, unscripted, and urgent, this episode is a call for vision, coherence, and actual leadership in a time of crisis.

Conspiracy theories thrive where the official story falls flat—when the world feels rigged, unfair, or just off. This episode of Hardpoints meets that unease head-on. We unpack the real forces behind the chaos—from missing Epstein files to chemtrail hearings and tech fraud—and explore why the loudest voices offering answers are often selling something. Because the truth? It's messier, less cinematic—but far more important to face. Follow us here: https://linktr.ee/valormedianetwork

This episode of Hardpoints explores the intersection of power—political, economic, and literal. Mike and Neal dissect how America's priorities are shifting: ICE receives a staggering budget increase while climate-fueled disasters gut the insurance industry, startups navigate rising costs and wealth concentration, and tech giants buy into speculative energy futures like fusion. Against this backdrop, they debate the balance between liberty and control, question the integrity of markets, and share hope that innovation—especially in energy—might still deliver progress, if equity and urgency can catch up with capital.

In Episode 14, Mike Smith and Neal Rickner return from vacation into a week of devastating headlines: a deadly ambush on firefighters in Idaho, catastrophic flooding in Texas, and the passage of a sweeping GOP-backed bill that slashes social and scientific funding. They dig into the failures of mental health care, climate preparedness, and political courage—all while reflecting on leadership, legacy, and the importance of community. From energy policy to public service, it’s a powerful look at where the country is heading—and what we can still do about it.

Explore the evolving nature of modern warfare, where strategic missteps, the growing influence of tech giants, and the escalating threat of climate change collide. Through an unflinching look at Silicon Valley's entrance into global defense and the emergence of climate change as a national security concern, Neal & Mike reveal a complex and often perplexing future shaped by technology, strategy, and the planet’s survival.

In this episode of *Hardpoints*, Mike and Neal tackle the AI talent wars, Meta’s failed grab at Safe Superintelligence, and the absurdity of their $30B valuations. They critically discuss Elon Musk’s erratic behavior, SpaceX flops, and Tesla’s stagnation, then dive into escalating U.S.–Iran tensions and the risks of Middle East entanglement. All while the planet roasts under historic heat waves — even in Alaska.

Asymmetric threats continue to expand, whether its the use of drones, cybertechnology, climate, espionage, or terrorism. The interaction is quickly leaving America behind, but its our dysfunctional government that is leaving us most at risk. --------- Guest: Michael McNerney is a technology entrepreneur and military veteran with a primary focus on cybersecurity. He currently works as the SVP for Security at Resilience. Previously, he led the threat intelligence business at Arbor Networks and was the Co-founder & CEO of Efflux Systems, a cybersecurity startup focused on advanced network analytics (acquired by Arbor Networks). Mike has also served as a Cyber Policy Advisor in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, where he drafted and negotiated key pieces of federal legislation through the congressional process and worked with defense industry, internet service providers and tech companies to develop cybersecurity programs. Prior to that position, Mike worked in the U.S. State Department, where he pioneered rule of law and economic development programs in the Middle East and Afghanistan. Mike is an affiliate at the Stanford Center for International Security and Cooperation, the Chair & Co-founder of Institute for Security and Technology, and a Board Member of Vets-in-Tech. He graduated from the University of California, Davis, and earned his J.D. from American University, Washington College of Law.

Free speech online is a central debate that has been raging for over a decade, and everyone has a strong opinion. See what someone who has been at the center of it all has been doing about it, from Facebook to Elon. Guest: Michael O'Herlihy has been working at the intersection of safety, free speech, and tech for decade, including time at Google, Uber, Facebook, and Twitter / X. https://www.linkedin.com/in/moherlihy/

Living a life of meaning can happen anywhere, not just in the military or non-profits, but well into business. Rethink the way you do business and how to lead. Guest: Daniel Kim is the founder & CEO of the Dragon Kim Foundation and the Managing Partner of CapFin Partners & Abacus Partners. He has career of investing insight around work with meaning, including his work developing leaders of impact in high school. Follow us here: https://linktr.ee/valormedianetwork

The time of machines has arrived. See how we got here with one of the fathers of autonomous vehicles and AI and how to think about how humans & machines will work together now. Follow us here: https://linktr.ee/valormedianetwork

Surfer, CEO, Filmmaker - See how one man decided that his favorite sport and his business acumen led him to rethink how he can live his life.  Guest Breene Murphy is the president of Carbon Collective Investing, a climate investment advisory firm with specialties in retirement plans (410ks), individual advising, and ETFs.  Breene also writes about climate and investing on LinkedIn and has been published in Nasdaq.  He’s a lifelong surfer, environmentalist, he made a documentary called “Seven Crossings” which is about paddleboarding off the coast of California, and he’s a dad. https://www.linkedin.com/in/breene-murphy-climate-friendly-401k/ Follow us here: https://linktr.ee/valormedianetwork

The world's economy relies upon that everything you see has either been mined or grown. Learn about the life of an extraordinary Alaskan and her passion for using microbes to address the exploding pressures upon the planet's need for raw materials.  Dr. Liz Dennett is the CEO & Founder of Endolith, where they use custom designed microbes to mine the metals our world needs.

When your job goes away or you experience, we all have to go through a transition. Learn about how elite athletes and veterans share that experience, how it's more than a transition, and what you can take from it.https://www.linkedin.com/school/pat-tillman-foundation/

Look at the world through the eyes of a former F-16 pilot and Department of Defense official about the intersection of energy and national security. Today's guest, Dave Belote, is a retired Air Force colonel and F-16 pilot who earned two Bronze Stars during Operation Iraqi Freedom and served as commander of Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas, Dave remains committed to public service. He has run unsuccessfully to represent his hometown in the Virginia State Senate and recently completed a 3-year term as secretary of the Virginia Beach Electoral Board. He is a founding director of the Southeast chapter of Environmental Entrepreneurs and serves on the board of the Southeastern Wind Coalition. He is also a five-time Jeopardy! champion. Follow us here: https://linktr.ee/valormedianetwork

Tariffs and how they're created have so many effects on the world we live in, from manufacturing, to national security, to startup ecosystems. Neal & Mike discuss how they overlap and what that means for American leadership. Interview: Neal interviews Mike so new listeners can learn about how a guy from Idaho came to be a Navy pilot and a climate entrepreneur.

There aren't different rules for leaders, just sometimes different results. Think through how being sloppy with security secrets is dangerous to us all. Plus, learn about how Neal Rickner came to host Hardpoints and his journey in startups, energy, & national security.