Goat Rodeo

This Episode:This week on Goat Rodeo, Garrett Smith and Simon Coon cover a packed week at the intersection of defense policy, government funding, and venture capital.The conversation opens on a bombshell case — a US Army Special Forces soldier who allegedly used classified information about the Venezuela operation to place $33,000 in bets on Polymarket, netting over $400,000 in profits. The crew breaks down the legal precedent, what it means for prediction markets going forward, and whether he had any chance of getting away with it. From there, Simon walks through the DHS shutdown resolution, the CBP and ICE funding fight, and what the reconciliation math actually means for the rest of the fiscal year. The episode closes on Firestorm Labs' $82 million Series B raise and what their drone fabrication platform signals about the future of forward-deployed manufacturing in the Indo-Pacific.Our Podcast:National security, defense tech, and geopolitics; serious topics, but that doesn't mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take, because let's be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/GoatRodeoPodcast

This Episode:This week on Goat Rodeo, Garrett Smith, Dave Caudle, and Simon Coon are joined by retired US Army General Ross Coffman, former Commanding Deputy at Army Futures Command and a 35-year veteran of nearly every major American conflict and military transition of the last three decades.The conversation opens on the avant-garde French-Canadian band Angine de Poitrine and what their aggressively unreplicable sound says about human creativity in the age of AI. The crew then turns to US ground force readiness in the context of the Iran conflict, with Ross raising immediate concerns around logistics, magazine depth, and sustainment over a long-term campaign. From there, the group tackles the big question — are tanks obsolete — with Ross revealing his own role in launching the M1E3 Abrams program and what lighter, faster, more survivable armor looks like in a drone-saturated battlefield. The episode closes on Lockheed Ventures doubling its fund to $1 billion and what that signals about how the prime contractor set is positioning itself in the defense innovation economy.Our Podcast:National security, defense tech, and geopolitics; serious topics, but that doesn't mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take, because let's be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/GoatRodeoPodcast

This week on the Goat Rodeo, Garrett Smith, Dave Caudle, and Simon Coon cover defense tech investment, the air war over Iran, and a spirited debate over what programs to cut from the federal budget.The conversation opens with Hermes's $350 million Series C and what it signals about a broader venture shift from software to hardware-centric defense platforms. They then cover U.S. aircraft losses over Iran, including an A-10 Warthog over the Strait of Hormuz, and what that means for crewed aircraft in contested airspace. The episode also tackles the inter-service debate over who owns the counter-UAS mission before closing on the president's $1.5 trillion DoD budget request and a round of programs each host would cut to balance the books.Our Podcast:National security, defense tech, and geopolitics; serious topics, but that doesn't mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take, because let's be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/GoatRodeoPodcast

This Episode:This week on Goat Rodeo, Garrett Smith and Dave Caudle cover a mix of military optics, defense tech momentum, and developments in the Iran war.The conversation starts with the Apache helicopter flyover at Kid Rock’s property and the questions it raises about training, judgment, and public trust in the military.They then turn to a surge in defense tech funding, including major rounds for Shield AI, Saronic, and others, and what those investments signal about autonomy, scale, and the future of the industrial base.The episode also covers recent developments in the Iran conflict, including force posture, potential next steps, and the growing role of asymmetric responses.Finally, they discuss emerging threats to U.S. technology companies and how cyber and infrastructure targets are becoming part of the modern battlefield.Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics; serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take, because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms:https://linktr.ee/GoatRodeoPodcast

This Episode:This week on Goat Rodeo, Garrett Smith, Simon Coon, and Dave Caudle break down the latest developments in the Iran war and the growing conversation around potential U.S. ground involvement.The discussion focuses on recent force movements, including Marine Expeditionary Units and elements of the 82nd Airborne, and what those deployments are designed to signal and enable.They also examine what modern ground forces actually look like today, from largely unchanged infantry formations to the increasing role of sensing, targeting, and AI-enabled systems shaping operations around them.Finally, the episode touches on what these dynamics mean for logistics, sustainment, and how the defense industrial base is preparing for prolonged conflict.Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics; serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take, because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms:https://linktr.ee/GoatRodeoPodcast

This Episode:This week on Goat Rodeo, Garrett Smith and Dave Caudle cover a mix of Washington dynamics, defense acquisition, and industry shifts.The conversation starts with the resignation of Joe Kent and what it reflects about internal disagreement and pressure inside the national security apparatus.They also touch on recent time on Capitol Hill and how members and staff are thinking about defense priorities and execution.The episode then turns to Anduril’s $20B Army contract and what it signals about software-defined warfare, faster acquisition, and the role of nontraditional defense companies.Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics; serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take, because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms:https://linktr.ee/GoatRodeoPodcast

This Episode:This week on Goat Rodeo, Garrett Smith, Dave Caudle, and Simon Coon dive into the intersection of the Iran war, artificial intelligence, and the politics of modern warfare.The conversation begins with the controversy surrounding a school strike in Iran and what it potentially reveals about AI-assisted targeting entering real combat operations. The crew explores how systems like Maven are accelerating the kill chain and what that means for decision-making in war.They also unpack the growing clash between the Pentagon and Anthropic after the company’s models were banned from government systems, and what that fight signals about the future relationship between Silicon Valley and the national security state.Finally, the discussion turns to the defense tech market, where massive venture rounds and rising valuations are reshaping the defense innovation and investing landscape.Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics; serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take, because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms:https://linktr.ee/GoatRodeoPodcast

This Episode:This week on Goat Rodeo, Dave Caudle and Simon Coon are joined by Chris Booth, a former CIA officer with more than two decades of experience working Middle East and Iran-related issues.The conversation focuses on the rapidly evolving conflict with Iran, including the decapitation of senior leadership, the uncertainty surrounding Tehran’s internal power structure, and what a potential collapse or fragmentation of the regime could mean for the region.They also explore how the conflict is playing out operationally, from drone exchanges and maritime risk in the Strait of Hormuz to the economics of modern munitions and the limits of U.S. and allied stockpiles.Finally, the discussion turns to Washington, where war powers debates, a DHS shutdown, and looming midterms are shaping how Congress responds to the conflict and what it could mean for defense spending and U.S. strategy going forward.Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics; serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take, because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms:https://linktr.ee/GoatRodeoPodcast

This Episode:Four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Garrett sits down with Chris Naganuma for a frontline look at how the war has evolved and what it means going forward. They walk through the arc of the conflict, from the early days of trench assaults and artillery dominance to a battlefield now shaped by drones, jamming, and constant technological adaptation. The discussion covers how casualty patterns have shifted, how supply chains matured from improvised imports to domestic production, and how movement on the frontlines has changed as automation and electronic warfare intensified.The episode also examines morale, negotiation dynamics, and what the West should realistically be learning from Ukraine, including the role of decentralized innovation and the growing importance of a professional NCO corps in modern warfare.Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics; serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take, because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms:https://linktr.ee/GoatRodeoPodcast

This Episode:This week on Goat Rodeo, Garrett, Simon, and Dave cover a wide-ranging set of defense and national security topics that all point back to one question: what happens when military capabilities, politics, and public space start colliding closer to home.The conversation moves from airport air defense and domestic security friction, to allies accelerating defense spending and industrial activity in response to growing pressure and uncertainty.They also dig into how acquisition and execution are adapting to these shifts, including what APFIT looks like in practice and what it says about the Pentagon’s push to move faster when the stakes are rising.As always, the discussion sits at the intersection of geopolitics, defense technology, and the realities of fielding real capability in an increasingly contested world.Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics; serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take, because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms:https://linktr.ee/GoatRodeoPodcast

This Episode:The Goat Rodeo crew is joined by Chris Booth, who’s worn a lot of hats across a long national security career. He’s served as a Soldier, an attorney, a national security professional, and a writer and thinker, most recently retiring from the CIA. He brings a sharp, grounded perspective to a wide-ranging conversation on where power, money, and institutions are colliding right now.The group unpacks the ripple effects still moving through Washington and the national security community, what renewed interest in U.S. shipbuilding really signals, and how venture capital is pushing deeper into intelligence and defense spaces that were once closed off. They also dig into what happens when private capital meets government secrecy, how incentives shift when investors enter the IC ecosystem, and where the risks actually lie.As always, there’s no shortage of candid takes on markets, institutions, and the uncomfortable tradeoffs shaping the future of national security.Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics; serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take, because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms:https://linktr.ee/GoatRodeoPodcast

This Episode:This week on Goat Rodeo, the crew kicks things off with a quick review of BattleLab Episode 2 before jumping into a geopolitics trifecta covering Iran, Greenland, and the expiration of New START and what it signals for global nuclear policy.From there, the conversation shifts to defense modernization, including the new Drone Dominance program, Golden Dome, the role of DIU, and the Shield IDIQ. The team also discusses how these initiatives fit into the broader acquisition landscape and where real capability delivery can get lost in “acquisition theater.”To close, the team does an update on the DHS shutdown, what it means for federal employees, and what a positive outcome might look like.Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics; serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take, because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms:https://linktr.ee/GoatRodeoPodcast

This Episode:This week, the Goat Rodeo crew digs into a fast-moving moment for U.S. defense and global security. They look into the latest government shutdown drama, why DHS funding has become the political choke point, and what a short shutdown actually means for defense programs, contracting officers, and acquisition timelines.From there, the conversation shifts to the newly released 2026 National Defense Strategy. The team breaks down what it signals about a pivot toward the Western Hemisphere, homeland defense, and more transactional alliances, and debates whether this strategy will meaningfully reshape budgets, force structure, or acquisition priorities.They also unpack major developments inside China, including the unprecedented purge of senior PLA leadership. What does it say about readiness, internal trust, and Beijing’s real appetite for a Taiwan conflict?Finally, the episode turns to the defense venture landscape. With capital flowing, valuations heating up, and bold claims about startup-led national security, the crew debates what’s real, what’s aspirational, and where innovation actually fits alongside primes, the industrial base, and long-term defense realities.Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics; serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take, because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mTJ1oJEgB3rCbQouCL7XD?si=9b2647b843144469Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goat-rodeo/id1801310605 YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This Episode:This week on Goat Rodeo, Garrett, Simon, and Dave cover a wide range of defense and national security topics, from Arctic posture and Greenland’s strategic relevance to renewed excitement around DIU and defense innovation.The conversation moves through Ukraine, where battlefield realities are colliding with venture-backed defense tech, and into broader questions about testing, maturity, and responsibility when deploying new capabilities in live conflicts. They also discuss acquisition reform, transition challenges, and how incentives inside the defense ecosystem shape what actually gets fielded.Rounding things out, the crew looks at budgets, policy dynamics, and what defense companies should be paying attention to as geopolitics, innovation, and procurement continue to converge.Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics; serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take, because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mTJ1oJEgB3rCbQouCL7XD?si=9b2647b843144469Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goat-rodeo/id1801310605 YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This Episode:The Goat Rodeo crew breaks down the recent U.S. raid targeting Venezuelan leadership and what it signals about American power and priorities in the Western Hemisphere. They discuss why these actions matter beyond Venezuela, how they fit into broader great-power competition, and what they suggest about future U.S. posture closer to home.The conversation then shifts to defense acquisition reform. The guys unpack how changes inside the Army and DoD could reshape requirements, funding authority, and timelines, and what that means for companies trying to sell real capabilities instead of slide decks.They also touch on the state of the defense market, recent capital flows, and how policy, operations, and acquisition are increasingly colliding in ways that will define the next few years for the defense ecosystem.Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics; serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take, because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mTJ1oJEgB3rCbQouCL7XD?si=9b2647b843144469Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goat-rodeo/id1801310605 YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This Episode:Garrett and Simon break down a busy week across defense, geopolitics, and venture capital. They cover the continued surge of mega-rounds in defense tech, why the market feels unusually frothy heading into 2026, and what these investment patterns signal for startups, primes, and buyers.On the geopolitical front, they discuss the recent U.S. strikes against Venezuelan cartel targets and what it may indicate about future policy posture in the Western Hemisphere. They also touch on shifting dynamics in Europe and how great-power competition continues to shape U.S. defense priorities.The episode wraps with a look at how government behavior, market cycles, and emerging threats are all converging to create one of the most complex operating environments the defense sector has seen in years.00:00- Christmas Banter, Rip Its, and Holiday Chaos03:00- The Battle Lab & Why Real-World Testing Matters06:00- Venezuela Strikes,  A Warning Shot or Something Bigger?12:30- China, Taiwan, and What “Deterrence” Really Means18:30- Frothy Venture Markets & 2025’s Mega-Rounds25:30- Can Defense Startups Scale? Primes vs. New Primes32:00- SBIR Reauthorization Delays & What It Means for Startups37:00- NDAA, Full-Year CR Risks & Closing ThoughtsOur Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics; serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take, because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mTJ1oJEgB3rCbQouCL7XD?si=9b2647b843144469Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goat-rodeo/id1801310605 YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This Episode:The Goat Rodeo crew is joined by Garrett Asta from Houlihan Lokey. The guys break down Steve Witkoff’s Ukraine peace plan, why Simon still sees no path to near-term peace, and a surprising cultural moment involving Limp Bizkit and Estonia. Then it’s onto the big stuff: major venture raises, billion-dollar outfits gearing up for IPOs, and what an incoming M&A wave could mean for valuations across the sector.And yes, they get into Anduril’s rough week, the limits of “fail forward,” and why unfinished prototypes can become real risks for warfighters.Chapters:00:00–03:00 Chit chat and light banter03:00–06:00 Introducing guest Garrett Asta06:00–10:00 Ukraine “peace plan” reactions10:00–13:00 Limp Bizkit cancelled in Estonia13:00–17:00 Why Simon sees no peace coming soon17:00–22:00 Big venture deals and billion-dollar raises22:00–27:00 Defense market trends and M&A wave expectations27:00–31:00 IPO prep and valuation concerns31:00–35:00 Programs of record vs capabilities of record35:00–38:00 Breaking news about two National Guardsmen38:00–43:00 Selling prototypes, IRAD spending, DoD barriers43:00–47:00 TRL, IRL, MRL and investor misconceptions47:00–51:00 The risks of scaling defense manufacturing51:00–55:00 Anduril hype cycles and product failure discussion55:00–58:00 CCA, Fury test failure, and DoD risk tolerance58:00–1:00:44 Thanksgiving food talk and closing thoughtsOur Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics; serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take, because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mTJ1oJEgB3rCbQouCL7XD?si=9b2647b843144469Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goat-rodeo/id1801310605 YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This Episode:The Goat Rodeo crew covers a packed week: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the White House, renewed momentum in U.S.-Saudi defense cooperation, and what expanding foreign military sales means for the defense industrial base.Dave walks through the Army’s major requirements and acquisitions restructure, where six general officers will control key capability portfolios. The team debates whether this centralization will accelerate modernization or smother risk-taking.They also hit big moves in autonomy and aerospace: CCA progress, heavy-lift eVTOL developments, and URSA Major’s $100M Series E. Plus, what DroneShield’s leadership cash-out signals to DoD buyers, and whether it adds new risk to small-company contracting.The shutdown is over, but appropriations remain a mess, and the crew breaks down what defense companies should expect in the coming months.Also: doomsday prepping, Bosnia collapse lessons, and why everyone should try to stay on AI’s good side.Chapters:00:00–02:40 AI fear, sci-fi references, and doomsday prep02:40–04:12 Bosnia and Kosovo collapse lessons04:12–08:58 Rip It lore, flavors, and chaos08:58–10:04 Episode intro10:04–14:18 Saudi visit, F-35s, tanks, and defense alignment14:18–18:07 CCA, autonomy progress, and unmanned systems18:07–20:49 U.S.–Saudi strategic implications20:49–24:45 Autonomy milestones, Airbus eVTOL, Ursa Major raise24:45–28:06 Joby vs Archer lawsuit and critical tech28:06–30:49 DroneShield concerns and DoD buyer risk30:49–36:29 Army acquisition reform and centralization debate36:29–41:08 Accountability, risk tolerance, and new structures41:08–45:03 FUZE program, budgeting, and capability overlaps45:03–47:00 PPBE alignment and congressional issues47:00–54:45 Shutdown ending, appropriations uncertainty54:45–58:23 CR mechanics, constraints, and executive flex58:23–01:01:16 Pentagon dynamics, Hegseth sidelined01:01:16–End Ukraine diplomacy aside and wrap-upOur Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics; serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take, because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mTJ1oJEgB3rCbQouCL7XD?si=9b2647b843144469Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goat-rodeo/id1801310605 YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This Episode:The Goat Rodeo crew is joined by Phil Divinski (CEO) and Jerad Watlington (COO), the duo behind Jeddoc, for a brutally honest look at FPV’s on the battlefield, bottom-up innovation, and why the acquisition system keeps tripping over itself.The guys kick things off debating MRE supremacy before diving into the real questions: Why can’t senior enlisted fly drones on major bases? Why are the best battlefield innovations still coming from end users who duct-tape gear together before industry scales it? Why is venture pouring dollars into drones without matching procurement volume? They also touch on Neros’ recent $75 million dollar fundraise and what it signals for the drone ecosystem.Phil and Jerad break down what actually matters for FPV effectiveness (hint: human maneuver is king), why requirements must start at the lowest levels, and how the current top-down system is slowing adaptation when speed matters most.Dave walks through the new acquisition reforms: shoppers, requirements writers, and bean counters under one roof, and of course, Simon questions whether any of it will actually fix the accountability problem.The episode wraps with a shutdown update, a nearly impossible moment where Simon was very wrong on his prediction, and what the reopening really means for defense companies, RDT&E spend, and SBIR reauthorization.Time stamps: 00:00 Banter02:00 Introductions and Jeddoc background8:00 Neros raise and FPV discussion15:50 FPV training and synchronization21:00 Bottom-up requirements23:30 Speed, testing cycles, DOGE approach28:14 Acquisition blame game39:06 SOCOM and acquisition reform43:50 Shutdown updateOur Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics; serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take, because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mTJ1oJEgB3rCbQouCL7XD?si=9b2647b843144469Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goat-rodeo/id1801310605 YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This Episode:The Goat Rodeo crew is joined by Brad Palm, COO at Dreadnode, for a deep dive into the realities of AI in defense. The team breaks down the myth of the soldiers Ironman suit, why true innovation starts with the end user, and how private industry continues to outpace the Pentagon.They also hit on Canada’s massive defense spending boost, the shifting landscape of international defense tech, and the DoD’s latest reform push. All that, plus the usual Goat Rodeo banter and a few thoughts on “hyper-enabled” nonsense.Timestamps:0:15 Marine Corps Ball Attire5:06 Official Intro5:55 Introduction to Brad & Dreadnode15:40 Canada’s Defense Budget Boost20:00 Growing International Anti-American-Tech Sentiment21:05 AI Nationalism27:17 Shyam Sankar NYT Interview29:57 The Iron Man Suit Pipedream44:42  Hegseth’s Upcoming Defense Reform52:08 Gov ShutdownOur Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics; serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take, because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mTJ1oJEgB3rCbQouCL7XD?si=9b2647b843144469Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goat-rodeo/id1801310605 YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This Episode:The Goat Rodeo crew is back, diving into Trump’s Asia tour, defense alliances, and the evolving balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. The team unpacks Japan and South Korea’s deepening military partnerships with the U.S., the growing importance of foreign military sales, and what it means for America’s long-term China strategy.From Seoul’s defense ambitions to the counter-drone arms race, they explore how defense technology is globalizing fast... and where startups fit in. Plus: lessons from Ukraine and Taiwan, the Pentagon’s new “Right to Repair” policy, and the growing call for self-sufficiency at the edge. And, of course, Simon’s shutdown predictions return, alongside plenty of Rip It-fueled banter about wizards, warfighters, and the true nature of innovation.Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics; serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take, because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mTJ1oJEgB3rCbQouCL7XD?si=9b2647b843144469Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goat-rodeo/id1801310605 YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This Episode:The Goat Rodeo crew digs into the rise of the “hyper-enabled soldier” — what’s real, what’s hype, and how much of it actually helps the warfighter. Fresh off AUSA, they talk about Anduril’s new EagleEye headset, the limits of wearable tech, and why human capability still anchors every fight.Also on deck: JP Morgan’s new defense fund, Firestorm’s big win, and how investors can navigate the realities of the DoD market. Plus, government shutdown updates, subterranean warfare, and why sometimes the simplest tools still win the day.Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics; serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take, because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mTJ1oJEgB3rCbQouCL7XD?si=9b2647b843144469Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goat-rodeo/id1801310605 YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This Episode:This week, the Goat Rodeo crew is joined by Chris Miller, an American Special Forces Colonel who went on to serve as Acting United States Secretary of Defense. We cover everything from Rip-Its to today’s flashpoints: Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Palestine, and Taiwan and China. Along the way, Chris reminds us of a hard truth: the technology and players may change, but the nature of war never does.Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics; serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take, because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mTJ1oJEgB3rCbQouCL7XD?si=9b2647b843144469Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goat-rodeo/id1801310605 YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This Episode:The Goat Rodeo crew kicks things off with cowboy hats in Michigan, record-breaking Zach Bryan concerts, and Dave’s take on a Power-flavored Rip-It (“tastes like combat and victory”) before diving headfirst into the week’s chaos.At the center: the government shutdown. What does it mean for the NDAA, DoD budgets, and startups trying to break in? Simon sees gridlock, Dave breaks down how furloughs turn simple contract flows into a nightmare, and Garrett explains why timing matters when obligated dollars collide with Washington dysfunction.From SBIR reauthorization to TACFI and STRATFI, the team debates the future of innovation funding. Should SBIR programs take equity stakes in companies? Some say yes, we say hell no. Dave offers fixes, Garrett gives the summary, and Simon calls out the politics.And to wrap: generals summoned to Quantico, more proof that defense culture is as unpredictable as ever, and the ongoing circus of Congress in a shutdown year.Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics; serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take, because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mTJ1oJEgB3rCbQouCL7XD?si=9b2647b843144469Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goat-rodeo/id1801310605 YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This Episode:Dave may be the coolest guy at Home Depot, but even he can’t get excited about CENTCOM opening yet another innovation shop. The crew unpacks whether China is truly expansionist, how much Taiwan really hates the mainland, and what role the U.S. should play if Beijing decides to make a move.They also dive into venture capital flowing into Ukraine and Taiwan, the booming global market for small drones, and Simon’s not-so-rosy prediction: a 75% chance of a looming U.S. government shutdown.Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics; serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take, because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mTJ1oJEgB3rCbQouCL7XD?si=9b2647b843144469Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goat-rodeo/id1801310605 YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

Goat Rodeo #27 – Russian Drones in Poland, $290M for Divergent, and Shutdown WatchThis Episode: Garrett checks in from Taiwan, Simon’s flying the flag for Taiwanese punk, and the crew dives right into a string of escalations: more than 10 Russian drones were shot down over Poland, a provocation with massive implications for U.S. defense companies and foreign military sales. On the home front, they break down why small companies get punished no matter how good they are, while the big players keep rolling. HIMARS comes up, Divergent announces a staggering $290M Series E, and the Army’s FUZE program raises big questions about spiral-style funding and whether the DoD is acting like a VC. Rounding things out: a quick look at CMMC headaches, and Simon’s not-so-rosy prediction that the government is headed for a shutdown in just 12 days...one that could stretch months.Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics—serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mTJ1oJEgB3rCbQouCL7XD?si=9b2647b843144469Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goat-rodeo/id1801310605 YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This Episode:Xi, Putin, Modi, and Kim hug it out in China. Was it a signal of realignment, or just optics? Garrett isn’t convinced, but Simon digs into why India’s presence matters.Back in the Western Hemisphere, the crew unpacks U.S. strikes on narco targets. Are they legal? Are they moral? Are we poking a sleeping bear? And what does it mean for SOUTHCOM and NORTHCOM as resources start to flow their way?In defense tech, Vector steps out of stealth with a $61 million raise, fueling debate over what “warfare as a service” really looks like. Meanwhile, Doug Beck departs DIU, Replicator calls its Switchblade rollout a success, and Simon re-christens DICE as the Defense Innovation Circus.Finally, we tackle the bureaucratic rollercoaster inside the Pentagon. JCIDS may be dead, but its replacement looks awfully familiar. Plus, the rise of counter-UAS task forces and Project Flytrap’s push to let the Joes solve their own drone problems.Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics—serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mTJ1oJEgB3rCbQouCL7XD?si=9b2647b843144469Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goat-rodeo/id1801310605 YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

No full episode this week - just an update from Garrett!

This Episode:We kick things off with the Putin-Trump summit in Alaska and ask what the B-2 flyover really meant. We also dig into Russia’s strike on the FLEX facility in Ukraine, where American employees were critically injured, and what this may mean for U.S. posture in INDOPACOM and beyond.Back at home, the crew talks about the rise of DIY drones. With Oceanside PD and military labs building their own solutions, we ask why American drone vendors are failing to meet demand for affordable and capable systems.Finally, we cover major changes coming inside the Department of Defense. Army Futures Command and Training Doctrine Command are considering a merge, PEOs are being reorganized, and acquisition timelines could accelerate. The big question is whether talent and authority inside the DoD can keep pace.Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics. Serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take, because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mTJ1oJEgB3rCbQouCL7XD?si=9b2647b843144469Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goat-rodeo/id1801310605 YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This Episode:For the first time ever, all three hosts are together in person at Reveal HQ in Bozeman, Montana. This week, they brought some heat. The team digs into the latest headlines including the rumored Trump / Putin meeting in Alaska, growing tensions around U.S. strategic posturing, and a wild new NVIDIA deal that gives the U.S. government a 15% revenue share on chip sales to China.They also break down the “moat” surrounding defense contracting. Outsiders hate it, insiders love it, and it’s what makes the DoD both an irresistible and maddening customer. Simon offers a Capitol Hill update, and the group gets into a discussion about America’s mineral strategy and how critical the mining industry is to defense.Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics—serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mTJ1oJEgB3rCbQouCL7XD?si=9b2647b843144469Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goat-rodeo/id1801310605 YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This Episode:Defense investing is taking off, literally and figuratively. This week, the crew is joined by Garrett Asta from Houlihan Lokey to break down the current boom in venture, private equity, and public markets across the defense and space sectors. With more VC-backed companies showing up than ever before, it's clear: the market is hot. But is it overheating?We unpack the signals driving investor interest, why traditional defense value paradigms are shifting, and whether the bubble might be forming around defense tech. Garrett, Dave, and Simon compare venture-backed growth, public market momentum, and the expanding role of private equity. Meanwhile, rising tension with Chinese and Russian military exercises has the U.S. allegedly repositioning nuclear assets, and SpaceX finds itself caught in political headwinds. We also touch on why most defense software isn’t actually software-only, and what changes in DoD’s buying behavior might mean for capital markets in the years ahead.Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics- serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.Listen on other platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mTJ1oJEgB3rCbQouCL7XD?si=9b2647b843144469Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goat-rodeo/id1801310605YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This Episode: China’s racing to put 30,000 satellites in orbit. The White House just dropped a sweeping AI action plan. And OpenAI and its partners are reportedly putting $500B toward next-gen data centers. The question is: can the U.S. keep up? We break down the global battle for tech dominance—across space, compute, and policy. From the energy demands of AI infrastructure to whether a single company should control the commercial space race, the crew takes on the geopolitics of emerging tech. Also in this episode: Reveal raises $30M in Series B, and Booz Allen adds $200M to its venture fund. Our Podcast:  National security, defense tech, and geopolitics—serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare.  Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo. Listen on other platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mTJ1oJEgB3rCbQouCL7XD?si=9b2647b843144469 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goat-rodeo-20-ft-alex-martin-clearspeed-polygraphs/id1801310605?i=1000718844180 YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This Week: We’re joined by Alex Martin, CEO of Clearspeed—a voice-based risk screening company that’s been quietly making waves in national security, intelligence, and defense. A fellow Marine and GWOT-era vet, Alex has seen firsthand how hard it is to stay on mission when DoD priorities shift and contracting obstacles pile up.  We talk with Alex about the limitations of legacy tools like the polygraph, why trust and deterrence still matter, and how screening technology is evolving. The conversation also hits on the improving landscape for defense tech venture funding, the frustrating imbalance between commercial incentives and national priorities, and why it’s time more technical talent picked mission over margin. The crew also digs into legacy primes falling behind, new questions on Army procurement power, and Simon’s latest from Capitol Hill. It’s a full house—and this time, it’s all Marines. Our Podcast:  National security, defense tech, and geopolitics—serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare.  Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo. Listen on other platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mTJ1oJEgB3rCbQouCL7XD?si=fd69212e4e3a42ba   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goat-rodeo/id1801310605   YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This episode: Are we witnessing a Middle East cooldown—or just a pause between strikes? A new Western-friendly president in Syria sparks debate (plus, Garrett’s tinfoil theory you don’t want to miss). Meanwhile, Firestorm Labs closes a $47M Series A and earns big love from the team for what could be a breakthrough in distributed, mobile drone manufacturing—giving warfighters the tools to innovate in the field. We also break down the Hegseth Drone Memo, which could push real tactical autonomy down to O-6s, enable drone training centers, and shift Blue UAS oversight from DIU to DCMA. Will this decentralize innovation or create a Franken-force? And most importantly—will these commanders actually have any money? Simon gives a Capitol Hill rundown, breaks down the latest from the NDAA and SPEED Act, and makes the case for why defense startups need someone fluent in the language of Congress. Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics—serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo. Listen on other platforms: Spotify: shorturl.at/spotify-gr Apple Podcasts: shorturl.at/apple-gr YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This episode: Congress wants to slash requirement validation timelines from years to months. With the SPEED Act and a proposed RAPID directorate on the table, the DoD is eyeing an overhaul of its acquisition system, aiming to reduce the average 800-day process down to 90 days. The crew breaks down what these reforms could realistically change, where optimism collides with bureaucracy, and why even with RAPID’s proposed mandate, buying fast won’t be simple. Meanwhile, Middle East tensions simmer as signals of potential normalization emerge alongside continued Houthi attacks on shipping, and Ukraine’s arms flow is paused and restarted in the same breath. NATO member countries are ramping up defense venture activity in response to increased spending commitments, but it remains a fraction of U.S. defense budgets. Also: Simon watched Independence Day, Dave survived the boat parade, and Garrett calls out the gap between policy hype and delivery reality. Just another week on Goat Rodeo. Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics—serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo. Listen on other platforms: Spotify: spoti.fi/3J1kGcO Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3IdB9gA YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This episode: As the kids take over at home, Congress is (maybe) passing one of the biggest defense budget bills in history. The crew unpacks the latest on the “Big Beautiful Bill,” the parliamentarian gutting it, and why reconciliation has never failed (until maybe now). Dave breaks down a hidden gem in the bill: $690M for Budget Activity #9, aimed at counter-drone, drone effects, and electronic warfare. We dig into why this targeted funding is a better approach, and how it could give PEOs real flexibility to field capabilities faster. Garrett offers an apology to FFRDCs, and the team debates why SBIR should focus less on phase 1s and 2s, and more on phase 3 transitions that actually deliver capabilities. Obviant gets a redemption arc, and we explore whether Ukraine, post-war, could become China’s top competitor in drone manufacturing, with hard-earned lessons in software, supply chain, and operational scaling. Also, Simon is watching Love Island and Congress is chaos. A very Goat Rodeo week. Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics—serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo. Listen on other platforms: Spotify: spoti.fi/3J1kGcO Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3IdB9gA YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This episode: U.S. struck Iran with B-2’s, and the ceasefire seems very fragile. Garrett, Simon, and Dave unpack the latest strikes, Iranian posturing, and what it means for deterrence. Meanwhile, NATO makes waves with a new 5% defense spending pledge (sort of), and defense innovation dollars keep flowing. The team digs into Obviant’s $7M raise, the challenge of scaling neo-primes, and why so much of the RDT&E system—especially FFRDCs and UARCs—feels like a black hole for tax dollars. Also: a $1.5B contract for Carnegie Mellon SEI IDIQ, why Congress still hasn’t dropped a draft budget, and Simon’s unofficial new job as the DoD’s interagency matchmaker. Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics—serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo. Listen on other platforms: Spotify: spoti.fi/3J1kGcO Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3IdB9gA YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This episode: Israel’s latest strikes on Iranian nuclear and missile sites show just how deep their long game goes—decades of tradecraft, infiltration, and information warfare. Garrett, Simon, and Dave unpack what makes Israel’s influence operations so effective, and whether Iran’s regime is finally starting to crack. Meanwhile, OpenAI just landed a $200M Pentagon contract, signaling a new chapter in how the DoD engages with commercial AI players. We break down the implications for go-to-market strategy, compliance, and what this means for everyone still stuck outside the wire. Plus: massive defense tech funding rounds, Capitol Hill’s budget mess, and why tech execs getting military rank has the community talking. Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics—serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo. Listen on other platforms: Spotify: spoti.fi/3J1kGcO Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3IdB9gA YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast  

This episode: Garrett’s got a fancy espresso in hand and a new 6.5 Creedmoor rifle in the safe. Simon lays out why he expects the DoD budget to tighten. And Dave breaks down why the House Armed Services Committee thinks acquisition needs a reboot—with the SPEED Act leading the charge. The crew covers where the defense budget is actually changing (hint: it’s not shrinking overall, but it is shifting), and what startups should know about competing in a world of smaller slices and faster timelines. Also on deck: Palmer Luckey eyes an Anduril IPO, the civil liberties questions raised by Palantir’s proposed government database, and how American capitalism still gives defense innovation a fighting chance—if the policy keeps up. Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics—serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo. Listen on other platforms: Spotify: spoti.fi/3J1kGcO Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3IdB9gA YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcastc

This episode: Chris Naganuma joins the crew fresh off a trip to Ukraine, where he’s been working directly with frontline units, advising on drone tactics and strike operations against Russian targets. With a background spanning foreign military sales, pro shooting, OSINT analysis, and ground-level battlefield advising, Chris brings firsthand insight from a warzone most people only follow online. We break down one of the most devastating drone operations of the war: a $500K effort that took out a third of Russia’s bomber fleet using container trucks and one-way drone strikes. It’s the kind of asymmetric warfare the West talks about—but Ukraine is executing. We get into OSINT vs. mainstream media, why U.S. defense can’t build this way (yet), and how private industry could partner more directly with Ukrainian teams to learn, adapt, and scale. Chris lays out what it would take to repatriate those lessons—and why 1,000 U.S. govvies should be on the ground learning, not watching from afar. Also: deterrence vs. warfighting, rising risk tolerance, and why the drone supply chain won’t fix itself. Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics—serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo. Listen on other platforms: Spotify: spoti.fi/3J1kGcO Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3IdB9gA YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This episode: We open with Memorial Day and the heavy reality that veteran suicide remains a crisis—one that’s still not widely understood or acknowledged by the broader public. The crew reflects on service, loss, and what it means to carry that forward. We also dig into new legislative movement in Texas, where lawmakers have funded ibogaine treatment trials for veterans—a major moment for the “Right to Try” movement and an opening for alternative approaches to care in the veteran community. Then it’s on to the sprint ahead: DoD’s end-of-year buying season is here. With Congress blowing deadlines and operating under continuing resolutions, the government is late to fund itself—again. That means contractors now face a four-month window to move fast, win work, and obligate dollars before September. Dave lays out tactical go-to-market advice for companies trying to navigate the most chaotic stretch of the federal funding cycle. Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics—serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo. Listen on other platforms: Spotify: spoti.fi/3J1kGcO Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3IdB9gA YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This episode: Dave survived a cross-country move, Simon’s channeling ugly punk energy, and the crew gets real about one of the most critical parts of defense tech: systems integration. Who should actually own it? Legacy primes? New primes? The govvies? It’s complex, exhausting work. We dig into where smaller companies fit, and why integration and compliance remain two of the biggest hurdles in the space. Also on deck: virtue signaling in national security, Elon Musk reportedly cutting back on political spending, and why the integrators—ugly, proud, and essential—need to dial it in. Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics—serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo. Listen on other platforms: Spotify: spoti.fi/3J1kGcO Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3IdB9gA YouTube:    / @goatrodeopodcast  

This episode: Les Craig, General Partner at Next Frontier Capital, joins the crew to talk defense venture trends, budget dysfunction, and whether innovation theater is masking a system in need of real change. From AI hype to institutional inertia, Les offers a candid look at how the funding landscape is shifting—and what startups (and policymakers) keep getting wrong. The crew also digs into defense budget priorities, including the controversial decision to move Army infrastructure funding to the border, and whether piling billions onto legacy systems actually gets better tech to the warfighter. Plus: “budget cannibalism,” callsigns, Congress as a herd, and the eternal fight between speed, scale, and reality.   Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics—serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.   Listen on other platforms! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mTJ1oJEgB3rCbQouCL7XD?si=45c67d5954a443b5 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goat-rodeo/id1801310605 Youtube: www.youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This episode: Rip-It still isn’t sponsoring us, Garrett’s got a new tattoo, and we’re talking punk shows, MARPAT pants, and startup knife fights. This week’s guest is Brian MacCarthy, Senior Vice President of Ventures in the Chief Technology Office at Booz Allen Hamilton—a venture investor with TS/SCI clearance and a front-row seat to the shifting landscape of defense tech. Brian joins the crew to share sharp insight on how the momentum-funding frenzy looks from the inside, what startups often get wrong when chasing big rounds, and why integration still matters more than hype. We also dig into the Senate Byrd Bath, budget reconciliation mechanics, and what $14 billion labeled as “innovation for the warfighter” really means. From impatient capital and stalled buying cycles to China's IP theft and America’s scaling problem, this episode covers why our tech is better—but still not getting where it needs to go. Plus: Legacy primes vs. neo-primes, Halloween candy metaphors, and the gap between a tradeshow demo and operational relevance.   Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics—serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo. Listen on other platforms!   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mTJ1oJEgB3rCbQouCL7XD?si=45c67d5954a443b5   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goat-rodeo/id1801310605   Youtube: www.youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This episode: It’s office-warming week, Garrett’s officially a Lieutenant Colonel, and Simon’s haircut is getting more attention than the President’s budget—which, by the way, still hasn’t shown up. The team dives into the latest budget signals from Congress and the White House, including $100B in drone-related spending and a $2B boost to DIU’s budget. But will that money actually move the needle? Garrett, Simon, and Dave unpack the tension between flashy funding announcements and the still-painful bottleneck of transition. Spoiler: more front doors isn’t the answer—better ones are. They also get into venture studios, defense incubators, and whether the market is quietly building what government can’t. Plus: DIU as a recruiting office, regional on-ramps, the myth of defense capitalism, and why trying to out-China China just won’t work. Oh, and SOF Week? Basically a 3-day frat party.   Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics—serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo. Listen on other platforms! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/54Y55S1FkTrPOkKpjtSLi1?si=cAhKhYWhR6qej2A5L-MKTw Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goat-rodeo-8-big-budgets-bigger-doors-and-the-new/id1801310605?i=1000705684559 Youtube: https://youtu.be/JAZtjdKnXXc?si=aUWUVwOUTWLS8Etn  

This episode: Noah Sheinbaum joins the crew to talk Defense Gameday, trade show fever dreams, and what recent executive orders from the White House could mean for defense tech companies. With Simon out this week, Garrett, Dave, and Noah dig into how policy is shifting —and what founders should be doing right now to take advantage. They break down the rise of “new primes,” why dual-use still matters, and why now’s the time to re-engage old leads, bid more COTS, and outmaneuver incumbents. The team also zooms out to look at the broader macro picture: venture capital uncertainty, tariffs, and whether free market optimism is enough to compete with authoritarian rivals who move top-down—and at scale.   Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics—serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo. Listen on other platforms: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3XMsXDi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/eS7-YHrb Youtube: https://youtu.be/-60VlZCvr3E

This episode: Markets are bouncing, Bagram is trending (but not really), and defense venture funding is heating up—so what does it all actually mean? Simon was right about Bagram being fake news—but wrong about the tariffs. Classic. Garrett, Simon, and Dave unpack the recent surge in investor interest, why we haven’t seen big exits yet, and whether venture is really the right model for defense startups. They also break down the implications of a trillion-dollar defense budget: from aligning with modernization priorities to whether it finally makes shipbuilding realistic for small players. Plus, a look at DARPA’s shift in posture, bougie barracks, and whether engaging with the innovation community is a survival strategy or just lip service. Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics—serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.

This Episode: Ari Schuler drops in to share insights from his years inside DHS and what startups need to understand about entering the CBP and DHS markets. We talk go-to-market strategy, how authority is shifting across agencies, and what happens when O6s start writing their own requirements. There’s a deep dive into how DOD and DHS actually collaborate (or don’t), the risks of interoperability gaps, and what it takes to build a team that can navigate federal acquisition. Plus: international dynamics, dual-use dilemmas, and what VCs are actually interested in. Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics—serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo. Listen on other platforms: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3XMsXDi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/eS7-YHrb Youtube: https://youtu.be/KVC7Zanj-eA

This Episode: Garrett, Simon, and Dave dive into a whirlwind of leaked war plans, JD Vance’s rise as a meme-worthy main character, and why no one wants to work the southern border. They unpack what Signal leaks mean for national security, whether the innovation economy should treat DHS as a growth market, and how DoD’s slow roll on border support is reshaping interagency dynamics. Plus: DIU goes international, ITAR headaches, and why the GWOT retiree crowd isn’t signing up for Border Patrol. Our podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics—serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo. Listen on other platforms: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3XMsXDi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/eS7-YHrb Youtube: https://youtu.be/KVC7Zanj-eA  

This Episode: Garrett, Simon, and Dave discuss happenings on capital hill, how they effect defense technologists & contractors, techniques for gaining acquisitions priority, the changing nature of warfare, and once again- action movies. Our podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics—serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo. Listen on other platforms: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3XMsXDi Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/eS7-YHrb  Youtube: https://youtu.be/0-cCWgpzy0w