Welcome to the No Way Out podcast where we examine the variety of domains and disciplines behind John R. Boyd’s OODA sketch and why, today, more than ever, it is an imperative to understand Boyd’s axiomatic sketch of how organisms, individuals, teams, corporations, and governments comprehend, shape, and adapt in our VUCA world.
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Mark Mcgrath And Brian Ponch Rivera Podcasts

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Autism, Telepathy and New "Outside" Information with Dr. Julia Mossbridge
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1:07:35Send us a text What if the key to unlocking human consciousness lies not in neurotypical experiences, but in the unique ways non-speaking autistic individuals perceive and interact with reality? In this captivating episode of No Way Out, host Brian "Ponch" Rivera welcomes cognitive neuroscientist, researcher, and spiritual seeker Julia Mossbridge, …
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TOPGUN vs. Major Boyd: Humans Over Algorithms with CAPT Dan Pederson
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1:30:47Send us a text In this episode of No Way Out , Captain Dan "Yank" Pederson, the "Godfather" of TOPGUN, shares the origin story of the Navy Fighter Weapons School, established in 1969 during the Vietnam War to address a 2:1 kill ratio that exposed deficiencies in aerial combat. Pederson recounts how he selected eight experienced pilots and RIOs who,…
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AI’s D&C Cycles Accelerate: Harmonizing Agents and The Big 'O’rientation with Mahault Albarracin, PhD
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1:06:41Send us a text What if we've been thinking about AI all wrong? What if endless scaling isn't the answer, but instead we need systems that understand context, embody knowledge, and grasp causal relationships like living organisms do? In this mind-expanding conversation with Mahault Albarracin, PhD, VERSES AI Director of Research Strategy – recorded …
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Human-Agent Team of Teams: Active Inference AI & The Spatial Web w/ Dr. David Bray and Denise Holt
1:04:37
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1:04:37Send us a text The technological paradigm we've grown accustomed to—with centralized AI models hallucinating answers and requiring massive energy consumption—is about to undergo a profound transformation. This fascinating conversation explores how active inference AI, inspired by the principles of biological intelligence, offers a fundamentally dif…
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Outmaneuver Complexity: AI Gold Rush 2.0 & Adaptive Capacity with David Woods, PhD
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1:46:01Send us a text What happens when our increasingly interconnected systems face unexpected challenges? Dr. David Woods, pioneer of resilience engineering, explores how organizations can build the adaptive capacity needed to survive in an age of growing complexity. Drawing from decades studying high-risk industries, Woods frames our current technologi…
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Reorienting Safety: Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) with Todd Conklin
1:22:33
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1:22:33Send us a text The gap between how work is imagined and how work actually happens sits at the heart of our most persistent safety challenges. In this illuminating conversation with Professor Todd Conklin, we explore how Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) has evolved from its origins in high-consequence industries to become a powerful framew…
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From Big Bang to Brain: How Entropy Shapes Safety and Systems with David Slater, PhD
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1:02:14Send us a text Step into the fascinating world where neuroscience meets safety in this mind-expanding conversation with Professor David Slater. Beyond conventional safety thinking, we explore how our brains actually construct reality and what this means for creating truly resilient organizations. The discussion begins with an unexpected parallel be…
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Pre-Event Indicators: Staying Left of Bang With Patrick Van Horne
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1:13:37Send us a text What if you could see disruption coming before it hits? The concept of "Left of Bang" transforms how we understand threat detection and strategic advantage—not just in combat zones, but in boardrooms, investment portfolios, and everyday situations. Patrick Van Horne, co-author of "Left of Bang" and former Marine Corps Combat Hunter i…
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Learning War, Winning in the Age of AI: Lessons in Adaptive Strategy with Trent Hone
1:10:50
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1:10:50Send us a text What can today's organizations learn from the US Navy's approach to innovation during the rapid technological changes of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s? Trent Hone reveals how naval leadership created a remarkably effective learning system during this era of transformation. The Navy's secret wasn't centralized control—it was distributed exp…
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Drones, Airspace, AI, and Decision Making: DroneUp CEO on Leading in Complexity
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1:05:00Send us a text When Tom Walker walked into a Best Buy and saw drone technology more advanced than the space shuttle selling for under $1,000, he knew aerial autonomous systems would fundamentally change society. What he couldn't have predicted was reconnecting with a former 13-96 OCS classmate decades later to discuss how military experience shapes…
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Send us a text In this electrifying No Way Out podcast episode, recorded on May 13, 2025—Top Gun Day—hosts Brian "Ponch" Rivera and Mark "Moose" McGrath dive into John Boyd’s OODA Loop through the "Four Ps of OODA": Perception, Pathfinding, Prediction, and Planning. Framed as a Top Gun Day Special, they clarify that while John Boyd, a former U.S. A…
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The Elk Hunter's Journey: Leadership, Adaptability, and Self-Discovery in the Wild with Gilbert Ornelas and Joe Giglia
1:20:49
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1:20:49Send us a text This episode explores the profound life lessons derived from elk hunting, emphasizing adaptability, decision-making, and self-awareness. Joe and Gilbert from the Elk Brothers discuss how their coaching transcends hunting, offering insights applicable to personal development and leadership. • Coaching as an interface for personal grow…
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From Cockpit to OR: Surgical Precision and Team Performance With Dr. Matt Cooper
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1:05:41Send us a text Dr. Cooper drops jaw-dropping tales: defying an anesthesia chief with "he’s not dead till I say he’s dead" to save a bleeding patient (still alive years later), or dodging disaster at 500 feet with quick thinking and trim. From the cockpit to the operating room, he reveals how orientation—our mental map—shapes everything, with top ca…
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Alan Green and The America Codes: We Are One (No Way Out Ep. 113)
2:31:19
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2:31:19Send us a text Dive into an electrifying episode of No Way Out that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about America’s founding—and the very fabric of reality itself. Host Ponch and veteran co-host Bart welcome Alan Green, a polymath whose 20-year journey decoding Shakespeare’s secrets has unearthed a mind-bending revelation…
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Boyd's Real OODA Loop: Deconstructing TEoWL with Chet Richards
1:07:39
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1:07:39Send us a text John Boyd's OODA loop is widely misunderstood. In this illuminating conversation with Chet Richards – a close colleague of Boyd who received the original OODA loop sketch in the mail – we explore what Boyd actually meant when he created this powerful framework. Chet reveals that Boyd's sketch in "The Essence of Winning and Losing" is…
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Navigating Complexity: Patterns, Entropy, and the OODA Loop with John Bicknell
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1:25:51Send us a text Ever wondered how to surf the disorder of a complex world? In this electrifying episode of the No Way Out Podcast, we dive deep with John Bicknell, a retired Marine and complexity science innovator, who’s cracking the code on everything from national security to market shifts. From decoding global news with cutting-edge tech to spott…
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From Empire to Einheit: Hegseth’s Reform Challenge with Don Vandergriff
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1:26:17Send us a text In this eye-opening conversation with military reform expert Don Vandergriff, we dive deep into one of the most pressing yet overlooked issues facing America's armed forces: the bloated officer corps that's undermining our combat effectiveness. Vandergriff, nicknamed "the Sun Tzu of the American Army" by Chinese military analysts, br…
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Digital Guerrilla Warfare: Deception in the Cyber Age with Tim Pappa
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1:02:04Send us a text Step into the shadowy world of cyber warfare with No Way Out, where episode co-host Steven McCrone joins cybersecurity expert Tim Pappa to unravel the cutting-edge tactics reshaping digital defense. From guerrilla warfare-inspired deception to behavioral analysis honed at the FBI, this episode dives deep into how modern cybersecurity…
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The Wayback Mission: Mark Graham on Preserving the Past with the Internet Archive
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51:25Send us a text Unlock the secrets of the past and secure the future with No Way Out! Hosts Moose and Ponch dive into the digital frontier with Mark Graham, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a key figure at the Internet Archive, a nonprofit founded by Brewster Kahle in 1996 to preserve the web and humanity’s published works. Often called a modern-…
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Championing Change: Diversity, Inclusion, and Leadership in the Navy with Theresa Carpenter
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59:07Send us a text Theresa Carpenter joins us to discuss her remarkable journey of advocacy and service, revealing the intricate dance between personal beliefs and military protocols. Theresa’s transparency about her struggles to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Navy, despite clashing with official narratives, offers a poignant look…
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From Battlefields to Boardrooms: Leadership Lessons from Vietnam to Modern Business with Bing West
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1:35:23Send us a text Join us on a fascinating exploration with Bing, a Marine Corps veteran whose journey takes us from his Irish Catholic roots in Boston to the battlefields of Vietnam. Bing shares compelling stories about how his upbringing and early influences shaped his decision to join the Marines instead of pursuing law school. We delve into the in…
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From Battlefield to Pen: Military Insights, Strategy, and Creative Transformation with Austin Caroe
1:19:23
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1:19:23Send us a text Ever wondered how an officer's journey from the battlefield to the world of writing could unfold? Our guest Austin Caroe unravels his transition from military service to becoming a writer during the intellectually vibrant times of COVID-19, drawing inspiration from profound thinkers like Nassim Taleb. Join us as he reflects on the em…
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Decoding Market Dynamics: How Relative Sentiment Transforms Investment Strategies with Ray Micaletti
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1:17:31Send us a text Unlock the secrets of the financial markets with Ray Micaletti, an insightful investment manager, as he reveals the power of relative sentiment in shaping investment strategies. Wondering how institutions consistently outperform retail traders? Ray provides an insider's look at sentiment indicators like the AAII and put-call ratios a…
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Navigating Stress, Technology, and Brain Health with Dr. Delia McCabe
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1:13:46Send us a text Discover the intricate dance between our brain's natural tendencies and the relentless flood of modern information. Learn how stress and anxiety can disrupt cognitive biases and alter our perception of the world. Our discussion kicks off with an eye-opening study on neurophysiological responses to polarized environments and the influ…
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Unlocking Consciousness: Psychedelics, Healing, and Spirituality with Dr. Anna Yusim
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36:41Send us a text Unlock the mysteries of the mind with Dr. Anna Yusim, MD, a leading psychiatrist and Yale Medical School professor, as she guides us through the fascinating world of psychedelics. We promise you'll discover the untapped potential of these substances in treating conditions like PTSD and trauma, where traditional methods often fall sho…
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Rethinking Market Narratives: Mastering Trend Following with Alex Krainer
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1:49:59Send us a text What if the key to exceptional investment success is challenging everything you know? Meet Alex Krainer, who turns conventional wisdom on its head with his unique perspective on trend following. Through a captivating exploration of his journey from academia to navigating the unpredictable waters of financial markets, Alex urges us to…
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Perspective Agents: Unleashing Strategic Innovation with Boyd's OODA Loop & McLuhan's Insights with Chris Perry
1:17:15
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1:17:15Send us a text What if embracing intellectual innovation could transform your organization's strategic advantage? Get ready to uncover the complexities of John Boyd's OODA loop and its revolutionary impact on leadership and innovation. With the profound insights of Chris Perry and Andrew McLuhan, we challenge conventional interpretations and dive i…
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Navigating AI: Balancing Innovation, Ethics, and Human Creativity with Natalie Monbiot
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1:04:11Send us a text Explore the complex and fascinating intersection of AI and human cognition with our special guest, Natalie Monbiot. Discover how John Boyd's groundbreaking concepts like the OODA Loop can help us navigate the rapidly expanding AI landscape. We'll dissect the risks of excessively relying on AI for decision-making, emphasizing the need…
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The AI Edge: Why OODA, Cybernetics, and Neuroscience Matter with Sean Manion
1:23:50
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1:23:50Send us a text In this timely episode of No Way Out, neuroscientist and systems thinker Sean Manion joins Ponch and Mark to explore the untapped potential of the OODA Loop beyond its military origins. Sean brings over 25 years of experience in neuroscience, clinical research, and health technology to an expansive discussion that redefines the OODA …
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Strategic Evolution: Unrestricted Warfare and the Future of Asymmetric Conflict with Bill DeMarco
1:23:39
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1:23:39Send us a text Discover how retired Air Force officer and pilot Bill DeMarco unravels the mysteries of "Unrestricted Warfare" by two Chinese officers, revealing its contemporary relevance in shaping China's strategic approach towards the United States. Learn why understanding asymmetric and nonlinear strategies is crucial in modern conflict, as we …
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Challenging Narratives with Starfire Codes: Consciousness, Media Manipulation, and Ancient Mysteries with Demi Pietchell
1:23:41
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1:23:41Send us a text What if everything you thought you knew about history, science, and media was just one version of the truth? Demi Pietchell, the creative mind behind Starfire Codes, joins us to unpack a range of controversial topics. From being deplatformed on Twitter for discussing graphene in vaccines to exploring how comedians like Jimmy Dore and…
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Phoenix Revival: A Fighter Pilot's Journey Through Trauma & Alternative Healing with Kegan Gill
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1:26:41Send us a text Former fighter pilot Kegan "SMurF" Gill takes us on a gripping journey through the skies and beyond in this revelatory episode. From the intense world of aerial combat to the harrowing experience of a high-speed ejection, SMurF shares his story of survival and resilience. We explore the critical decisions made in the split-second cha…
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Warrior Philosophers: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Challenges with Sam Alaimo
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1:05:13Send us a text Imagine harnessing ancient wisdom to navigate the complexities of modern life. Join us, three warrior philosophers—a Marine, a Naval Aviator, and a Navy SEAL—who have done just that. Sam Alaimo joins us to share personal stories of how the philosophies of Socrates, Aristotle, Seneca, and Epictetus have been vital tools in their trans…
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Strategic Lessons from Conflict: Military History, Leadership, and Adaptation with General David Petraeus
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56:53Send us a text Discover the strategic insights of General David Petraeus as he shares lessons from his book, "Conflict," co-authored with Andrew Roberts. General Petraeus offers an in-depth look into the military historical context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, drawing from his experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. Listeners will gain a compre…
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Strong Orientation: How Strength Improves Our Capacity For Free and Independent Action with Nick Delgadillo
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1:15:41Send us a text What if the key to maintaining your fitness goals during the chaotic holiday season lies in the simplicity of strength training? In this episode of No Way Out, we’re joined by Nick Delgadillo, CEO of Starting Strength Gyms (www.startingstrength.com), to explore how foundational movements not only bring structure and stability to your…
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Transformative Team Dynamics: From Battlefield Strategies to Boardroom Success with Martin Murphy
1:15:53
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1:15:53Send us a text Unlock the secrets of military precision and organizational brilliance as we take you on a journey from the battlefield to the boardroom. Are traditional hierarchies holding your team back? Discover how dynamic teaming structures inspired by Navy SEALs and aviation experts can propel your business to new heights. Martin Murphy unrave…
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Inflation, Automation, and Empire Hangovers with Sean Ring
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1:28:12Send us a text In this wide-ranging discussion, Sean Ring provides a global perspective on markets, geopolitics, and the intersections between politics and economics. The conversation spans Sean's experiences living abroad—from London to Asia to Italy—while offering critical insights into U.S. markets and global capital flows. Key themes include th…
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Blitzed: The Methamphetamine-Fueled Blitzkrieg with Norman Ohler
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1:01:14Send us a text How did methamphetamines fuel the Blitzkrieg and shape World War II? Join us as we uncover the startling revelations from Norman Ohler, author of "Blitzed," fresh from his impactful appearance on the Joe Rogan podcast. Norman provides a fascinating exploration of the German military's extensive use of Pervitin, a methamphetamine, dur…
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Transformative Leadership in Challenging Times with the Honorable Thomas Modly
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1:41:54Send us a text Ready for a masterclass in leadership and innovation? Join us as we welcome the Honorable Thomas Modly, the esteemed author of "Vectors," who is about to share exclusive insights from his remarkable journey from the Naval Academy to the Pentagon. Mobley unravels the unique cultural nuances of the Navy and the strategic challenges lea…
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Ditch Outsourced Thinking: Unleash the Power of Red Teaming w/ Dimbleby & Corella
1:19:24
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1:19:24Send us a text Ponch, Jose, and Marcus discuss the critical importance of internal capability within organizations, the dangers of outsourcing thinking, and the transformative power of Red Teaming. They explore the role of the chief of staff in driving change, the necessity of training and development, and the challenges faced in agile transformati…
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Conceptual Spiral Redux: John Boyd’s Blueprint for Thriving in Complexity with Chet Richards
1:13:31
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1:13:31Send us a text Step into the mind of legendary military strategist John Boyd as No Way Out unveils a special redux of his transformative briefing, Conceptual Spiral, originally presented at the 1993 SpaceCast 2020 conference. This re-release includes a full transcript, restored slides, and an illuminating foreword from Boyd’s close friend and colla…
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How Fat Leonard Breached the Navy's OODA Loop with Tom Wright
1:12:41
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1:12:41Send us a text In this episode of No Way Out, investigative journalist Tom Wright joins us to dissect the infamous Fat Leonard scandal, a dark chapter in U.S. Navy history where corruption, manipulation, and ethical breaches were exposed on a massive scale. Leonard Francis, the Malaysian contractor at the heart of the scandal, exploited systemic we…
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A Daughter’s Perspective: Unpacking John Boyd's Legacy with Mary Boyd
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1:29:11Send us a text Curious about how the legendary military strategist John Boyd shaped the world of aviation and beyond? Join us for an engaging conversation with Mary Boyd, who offers a captivating glimpse into growing up with such an influential father. Through her unique perspective, we explore the untold stories of John Boyd's life, his foundation…
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Mastering the Medium with Andrew McLuhan
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1:23:39Send us a text What happens when you blend the strategic brilliance of John Boyd with the transformative media insights of Marshall McLuhan? We promise you'll gain a fresh perspective on decision-making and media effects. This episode features an enlightening conversation with Andrew McLuhan, who shares the legacy of his grandfather, Marshall McLuh…
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Send us a text It's time to favor Respectful Truth Over Bias-Driven Coherence. In what might be our most important conversation yet, we sit down with Dr. Robert Malone—renowned expert in virology, vaccines, and now, fifth-generation warfare. In this episode, Dr. Malone shares insights to the critical topics covered in his and his wife’s upcoming bo…
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PsyWar Primer: Liminal Warfare, Flow, 5GW, Sun Tzu and More
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30:39Send us a text Hey No Way Out listeners! We’re thrilled to bring you this exclusive primer episode for our highly anticipated conversation with Dr. Robert Malone. This mashup episode is your gateway to the upcoming deep-dive discussion on Dr. Malone and his wife’s new book, PsyWar: Enforcing the New World Order. What’s Inside? This special mashup i…
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Unplugged: Information Abundance and Digital Detox with Michael Guimarin
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1:30:32Send us a text Transform your relationship with information and reclaim your focus in today’s digital age! Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Michael Gummerin, an expert who has spent the last four years coaching individuals on how to manage their information diets. Michael introduces his groundbreaking low information one-day detox,…
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Reimagining Neurodiversity: From Isolation to Interaction
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1:07:57Send us a text What if your child’s unique way of seeing the world could be their greatest strength? Join us for a heartwarming dive into neurodivergence and the environments that help everyone thrive. Our guest, Sarah Kernion, founder and CEO of Saturday's Story, is a global keynote speaker and neurodiversity advocate. She’s also a mother of three…
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Market VUCA: Reorienting in the New World Economy with Philippe Gijsels
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1:15:35Send us a text Philippe Gijsels, Chief Strategy Officer, BNP Paribas Fortis joins Moose and Ponch on this episode of No Way Out. The conversation explores the concept of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA) and how it relates to investing and trend following. The analogy of surfing waves is used to describe the approach to navi…
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Lesson NOT Learned: Illegal Mandates with Col (Ret.) Thomas "Buzz" Rempfer
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1:05:45Send us a text The conversation examines military anthrax vaccine mandates and draws parallels to COVID-19 vaccine mandates. "No Way Out" welcomes special co-host Matthew "Whiz" Buckley, host of the "No Fallen Heroes Max Afterburner" podcast, along with Tom "Buzz" Rempfer, to dissect the contentious issues surrounding vaccine mandates. Utilizing th…
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