Lauren Knausenberger and Bob Ritchie of SAIC join host Rob Slaughter, CEO of Defense Unicorns, to talk about what it takes to drive meaningful innovation in defense at scale. With roots in both the Pentagon and SAIC, they unpack how mission-first thinking, public-private collaboration, and a deep respect for open ecosystems are reshaping the future of national security. From startup partnerships to acquisition reform, this episode blends grounded insight with big-picture perspective.

Brandt Keller joins host Rebecca Lively to talk about what it takes to deliver secure, resilient software in disconnected, mission-critical environments. A former Marine turned CNCF ambassador, Brandt shares how his frontline experience fuels his passion for open source and solving tough infrastructure problems. He unpacks the government’s complicated relationship with open source, the risks of being just a consumer, and why designing for air-gapped systems makes everyone’s software better. From Kubernetes contributions to cereal-soup debates, this episode blends real-world insight with a touch of fun.

On this episode of The Defense Unicorns Podcast, host Rebecca Lively sits down with Case Wylie, Software Engineering Lead, to talk all things Pepr—a TypeScript-based operator framework reshaping secure software delivery in air-gapped environments. Case shares how Pepr streamlines Kubernetes operations while empowering developers to move fast without sacrificing safety. From nightclub metaphors to GitOps integration, this conversation unpacks how standardizing security posture can reduce friction and boost team velocity. They also explore the importance of open-source collaboration and what it takes to build tools that scale across some of the world’s most demanding environments.

Unicorn Engineer Wayne Starr joins host Rebecca Lively to share his journey from “ruined by DIU” to rewriting the rules of DevSecOps in the Department of Defense. From flying to Qatar to fix mission-critical planning tools to reflashing smart lightbulbs with open-source firmware, Wayne brings stories that blend innovation with impact. He breaks down how user-centered design, policy fluency, and open source mindset helped him ship real software in some of the most complex environments. Whether you're battling bureaucracy or building the future of defense tech, this episode is packed with insights—and a few laughs about MP3s on paper.

On this episode of The Defense Unicorns Podcast, host Rebecca Lively chats with Bryan Finster, Distinguished Engineer at Defense Unicorns, about the real keys to delivering software faster, safer, and smarter. Bryan challenges the myths of DevSecOps, arguing that rigid frameworks and bureaucratic processes don’t create security—they create fragility. Instead, he advocates for continuous delivery, rapid feedback loops, and a culture of ownership to drive better outcomes for users and engineers. Drawing from his experiences in large-scale enterprises and government systems, Bryan explains why adaptability, not process-heavy oversight, is the key to success. If you’re ready for a fresh perspective on DevSecOps, Agile, and leadership, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

On this episode of Defense Unicorns, host Rebecca Lively sits down with Dr. Noe Lorona, platform engineer at the Army Software Factory, to discuss the pivotal role of DevSecOps in the Department of Defense. Dr. Lorona shares insights on embedding security into every step of development, fostering trust and transparency within teams, and cultivating a culture of innovation even in high-stakes environments. Together, they highlight how secure and agile software development can drive transformational change in defense and beyond. Tune in to explore the intersection of technology, leadership, and national security!

In this Defense Unicorns episode, Col. Sean Kern, Director of Cyberspace Operations Strategy at SAIC, shares insights from his transition from military to civilian leadership and the vital role of culture in DevSecOps. He highlights the importance of balancing automation with human judgment in cybersecurity, stressing that strategic oversight is crucial in high-stakes decisions. Kern also discusses the need for unified frameworks across military branches to strengthen cybersecurity operations, emphasizing that adaptability and speed are essential for defense against evolving threats.

In this episode of the Defense Unicorns Podcast, Collen Roller, Founder of Dark Saber, shares his journey in bringing DevSecOps to the forefront of defense technology. He discusses how Dark Saber empowers airmen to build secure, production-ready applications and explores the future of generative AI in military operations. From automating tasks to enhancing data access with Nipper GPT, Collen highlights the transformative impact of AI in the Department of Defense. Tune in to learn how DevSecOps and innovation are shaping the future of defense.

In this episode of Defense Unicorns Podcast, we chat with Eddie Zaneski, the tech lead for open source at Defense Unicorns. Eddie shares his journey from an aspiring math teacher to a leading figure in the tech industry, discussing his contributions to Kubernetes and his work on software supply chain security. We also explore the security of open-source communities, the evolution of software deployment, and Eddie’s passion for leveraging government funding to support open-source projects.

In this episode of the Defense Unicorns Podcast, Rebecca interviews Mark McGrath, a Marine Corps veteran and asset manager, about the synergy between DevSecOps practices and John Boyd's theories. Mark discusses how Boyd's OODA loop and concepts like rapid iteration and "Destruction and Creation" apply to modern software development and business strategy. The conversation also explores the importance of psychological safety and cross-functional collaboration in fostering effective DevSecOps environments and navigating complex challenges.