Patrick J. Murphy has dedicated his life to service—as a soldier, the first Iraq War veteran elected to Congress, and the 32nd Under Secretary of the Army. In this episode, we discuss his journey, leadership insights, veteran advocacy, and the future of defense technology. From national security challenges to the power of bipartisanship, Patrick shares invaluable wisdom for the next generation of leaders.

In this episode of Tipping Spears, we sit down with Dallas Atkinson, a dedicated nonprofit leader, military spouse, and advocate for veterans and their families. As the Director of Programs at the HillVets Foundation, Dallas shares how her work is shaping the next generation of military-connected leaders through mentorship, policy advocacy, and career development opportunities. We discuss the biggest challenges facing today’s veteran and military communities, the critical role of access and connections in professional growth, and how military families directly impact retention, recruitment, and overall force readiness.

In this episode of Tipping Spears, COL Ray Rottman, USAF (Ret)—Executive Director, Leadership Strategist, and Military Education Advocate—shares his journey across military service, private industry, and the nonprofit sector. He discusses the power of mentorship in shaping military careers, the resilience of military families, and his leadership at the Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States (AMCSUS). Ray offers battle-tested leadership insights, explores how experienced professionals can develop the next generation of defense and national security leaders, and emphasizes the importance of service as a force multiplier. Tune in for a compelling discussion on mentorship, career growth, and the leadership mindsets that build strong, resilient teams.

In this episode of Tipping Spears, Dr. Welton Chang, U.S. Army veteran and CEO of Pyrra Technologies, shares his journey from military service to leading a cutting-edge tech company at the forefront of security innovation. He discusses how his experiences in government and academia shaped his approach to entrepreneurship, the evolving role of technology in national defense, and the challenges of launching a mission-driven startup. From the impact of social media on society to the threats posed by foreign adversaries, Dr. Chang offers invaluable insights for those looking to make a difference in tech, security, and beyond. Tune in for a compelling conversation on leadership, resilience, and the future of warfare.

In this episode of Tipping Spears, we dive into the intersection of love, business, and national security with Jeremy Becker—Retired U.S. Army Officer, Combat Veteran, and CEO of Becker Digital. As a husband-and-wife team navigating the world of government contracting, we share the realities of bootstrapping a veteran-owned small business and the unique challenges of working alongside your spouse. We explore why post-9/11 veterans and their families are increasingly absent from the entrepreneurial side of the military-industrial complex and what that means for the future of defense innovation. From overcoming obstacles in a competitive industry to redefining the American Dream in uncertain economic times, this conversation is packed with real-world insights. Whether you’re a veteran, an entrepreneur, or just curious about the evolving role of family-owned businesses in national security, this episode is for you. Tune in for an honest, behind-the-scenes look at our journey and lessons learned along the way!

In this episode, we sit down with Christian Kaman, CEO and Founder of TEKIMAX, to explore the cutting-edge world of defense technology and AI. From his unexpected journey from sports medicine to becoming a full-stack software engineer, Christian shares the driving forces behind his success and the challenges of navigating the small business landscape in defense contracting. We dive into the potential impact of emerging AI trends, the role of military spouses in the tech world, and the personal inspiration behind Christian’s work in defense technology. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on innovation, resilience, and the future of tech in national security.