Best Steve Tavares Podcasts (2025)

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FAA, DJI, and the Next Era of U.S. Drone Innovation | Todd Graetz, CEO, Aerolane 1:30:02

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1h ago1:30:02

1:30:02

Todd Graetz, co-founder and CEO of Aerolane, joins the show to share how his aviation startup is reimagining air cargo with autonomous glider-based aircraft. From his early work launching one of the first large-scale drone programs at BNSF Railway to building Aerolane's innovative “air cart” system, Graetz has been at the forefront of UAV and aeros…

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Pedaling Progress w/ Vinny Tavares :: Ep 257 The Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast 56:58

21h ago56:58

56:58

Podcast Episode Title: "Pedaling Progress" Show Description: Join host Matt Wilson as he sits down with Vinny Tavares, owner of Mule Town Bikes in Columbia, Tennessee. Discover how this Brazilian-born bike enthusiast transformed a local bike shop, embraced the e-bike trend, and is building community through cycling. Highlights: Vinny's journey from…

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Mario Bautista eyes 9-fight win streak, Mateusz Gamrot on Oliveira matchup, UFC Perth picks 53:01

2d ago53:01

53:01

Matt Serra and Jim Norton return for a midweek edition of UFC Unfiltered with a pair of No. 8–ranked contenders, bantamweight Mario Bautista and lightweight Mateusz Gamrot, as both men prepare to embrace the road-dog role against fan favorites. Bautista joins the show to reflect on his eight-fight winning streak and preview next month’s bantamweigh…

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Youssef Zalal talks Josh Emmett matchup, Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani on DWCS win, guest co-host Din Thomas 1:06:29

4d ago1:06:29

1:06:29

Din Thomas jumps in as guest co-host alongside Matt Serra for a jam-packed Monday edition of UFC Unfiltered! First up, 9th-ranked featherweight Youssef Zalal stops by ahead his UFC 320 showdown with Josh Emmett. Riding a four-fight UFC winning streak, Youssef shares stories from his long-awaited trip back to Morocco before shifting his focus to his…

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Advanced Radar Detection, Modular Sensing, and Dual-Use Innovation | Jon Dandrow, CEO, Radenso 1:26:04

5d ago1:26:04

1:26:04

Jon Dandrow, CEO of Radenso and Strikeman, joins the show to talk about building advanced radar detection systems, modular sensing hardware, and consumer-to-defense innovation. From hacking traffic cameras in his college years to leading dual-use technology companies, Dandrow shares the unconventional path that brought him into the defense world. W…

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From Paintbrushes to Podcasts w/ CW Meekins :: Ep 256 The Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast 1:37:57

8d ago1:37:57

1:37:57

Podcast Episode Title: "From Paintbrushes to Podcasts w/ CW Meekins" Show Description: Join host Jim McCarthy as he sits down with Carl Wayne (CW) Meekins, a multi-talented entrepreneur who's mastered the art of remodeling, music, and maintaining a positive mindset. In this candid conversation, CW shares his journey from a musician chasing the Nash…

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Aljamain Sterling on Ortega win & 145-lb. title path, Aly Mac talks next weekend’s UFC Perth card 56:12

9d ago56:12

56:12

Matt brings the heat with a brand new microphone as he teams up with guest co-host John Morgan for a midweek edition of UFC Unfiltered! Nearly a month removed from his UFC Shanghai win over Brian Ortega, Aljamain Sterling returns to the show to discuss Ortega’s weight-cut struggles, his recent back-and-forth with Lerone Murphy, and what’s next in h…

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Alden Coria on UFC debut win, Teddy Atlas talks Bud Crawford & newfound MMA appreciation, Noche UFC recap 1:16:05

12d ago1:16:05

1:16:05

Guest co-host RJ Clifford joins Jim and Matt for a packed Monday show after a huge week for fight fans! Flyweight Alden Coria kicks things off by discussing his journey from preparing for a Contender Series shot to making a successful short-notice UFC debut at Noche UFC. He also shares how training alongside Joshua Van at 4oz Fight Club has elevate…

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Hopelessness, homelessness, greediness 1:04:50

10d ago1:04:50

1:04:50

The shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk has shaken the nation—and this week, we’re unpacking what it means closer to home. Guest co-hosts Trishala Vinnakota and Justin Berton join us to trace East Bay history of politically motivated killings and the rising hostility faced by local officials. Then, we dive into Oakland’s new push to toughen its …

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Modular Jamming, AI Detection, and the Rise of DroneShield | Matt McCrann 1:17:12

12d ago1:17:12

1:17:12

Matt McCrann, U.S. Navy veteran and CEO of DroneShield US, joins the show to talk about the evolving fight against drone threats. From handheld jammers like the DroneGun MkIV to advanced sensor fusion and AI-powered RF detection, DroneShield is building modular tools for defense and homeland security. We dig into the cat-and-mouse game with adversa…

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Hammering Out Success w/ Hilson Merrill :: Ep 255 The Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast 1:01:43

12d ago1:01:43

1:01:43

"Hammering Out Success" Show Description: In this compelling episode of the Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast, Hilson Merrill of Merrill Construction Group shares his inspiring journey from a hands-on carpenter to a successful business owner. Discover how he transformed challenges into opportunities, learned the art of sales, and built a thr…

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Rob Font, Tatiana Suarez, Noche UFC predictions 54:08

16d ago54:08

54:08

Matt Serra and Jim Norton look ahead to this Saturday’s Noche UFC card in San Antonio with two fighters set to compete: Rob Font and Tatiana Suarez. First up, bantamweight veteran Rob Font joins the show to discuss preparing for yet another short-notice opponent change and how training in Texas with Gordon Ryan has sharpened his ground game. He als…

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Modestas Bukauskas on successful 2nd UFC stint, Kevin Iole talks UFC Paris & Canelo-Crawford 1:10:44

18d ago1:10:44

1:10:44

Jim Norton and Matt Serra return for another episode of UFC Unfiltered! Fresh off his biggest career win in Paris, light heavyweight Modestas Bukauskas reflects on his successful second stint and the father-son dynamics in play for both he and training partner Tom Aspinall. Later, retired combat sports journalist Kevin Iole joins to recap UFC Paris…

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From Industrial Robots to Defense Infrastructure | Troy Demmer, Gecko Robotics 1:21:06

19d ago1:21:06

1:21:06

Troy Demmer is the co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Gecko Robotics, the industrial tech company behind wall-climbing inspection robots and the full-stack software platform reshaping how we manage critical infrastructure. In this episode, Troy breaks down Gecko’s origin story, their second act in defense, and why hardware is just the wedge.We…

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Donte Johnson on Contract-Securing KO at DWCS, Jon Anik on UFC Paris & Canelo-Crawford 54:11

23d ago54:11

54:11

Jim and Matt return from the Labor Day break with recent Dana White’s Contender Series standout Donte Johnson and the great Jon Anik for today’s episode of UFC Unfiltered. Fresh off a short-notice first-round knockout that secured his UFC contract, Johnson reflects on his rapid rise. Noticeably slimmer than the 297-pound collegiate defensive linema…

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State of politics and journalism with legendary reporter Carla Marinucci 1:11:16

24d ago1:11:16

1:11:16

Legendary Politico and San Francisco Chronicle political reporter Carla Marinucci joins Steve Tavares and Trishala Vinnakota for a candid conversation on the state of journalism and unforgettable moments from her career. Hear Carla’s stories about being summoned by Gov. Schwarzenegger about a negative story, being banned by the Obama White House, a…

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The Reality of Selling to the Pentagon | Mike Canty 1:29:59

26d ago1:29:59

1:29:59

Mike Canty, co-founder and CEO of Armaments Research Company, joins the show to discuss the future of defense tech and the realities of building hardware startups for the Pentagon. A former Army major, Mike now leads ARC in developing AI-enabled weapon sensors that turn rifles into data-driven decision systems. We get into his founder journey from …

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Radio Reinvented w/ Ron Allen :: Ep 254 The Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast 1:29:56

26d ago1:29:56

1:29:56

Podcast Episode Title: "Radio Reinvented w/ Ron Allen" Show Description with Highlights: In this episode of The Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast, host Jim McCarthy sits down with Ron Allen, veteran broadcaster and leader at Midwest Communications (Jack FM, Y’all 106.7). Together, they dive deep into the ever-evolving world of radio, explori…

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Sean Brady, Benoît Saint Denis, guest co-host Din Thomas 57:03

1M ago57:03

57:03

On today’s UFC Unfiltered, the one and only Din Thomas fills in for Matt Serra for an episode with Jim Norton that invites welterweight contender Sean Brady and French lightweight Benoît Saint Denis on as guests. Frustrated by two fight dates falling through, Brady outlines two specific opponents he’s ready to fight on a minute’s notice — preferabl…

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Brad Tavares, Charles Johnson & UFC Shanghai reactions 57:14

1M ago57:14

57:14

On today’s UFC Unfiltered, Matt Serra and Jim Norton welcome middleweight veteran Brad Tavares and flyweight contender Charles Johnson. Two weeks out from UFC Paris, Tavares explains how he’s keeping his 37-year-old body primed to break his tie with Michael Bisping for the most middleweight wins in UFC history. Fresh off a $50K bonus knockout in Sh…

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The Future of Drone Swarms and Counter-UAS | Kyle Hardy & Ashkan Bayatpour 1:16:31

1M ago1:16:31

1:16:31

Kyle Hardy, CEO of Hardy Dynamics, and Ashkan Bayatpour, U.S. Navy Reserve Officer, join the show to break down the future of drone warfare and the challenges of building software for autonomous swarms. We dig into the reality of counter-drone operations, why electronic warfare and lasers fall short, and why kinetic defenses are still the only reli…

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Anthony Hernandez & Caio Borralho talk middleweight pecking order 53:49

1M ago53:49

53:49

Matt Serra and Jim Norton welcome top middleweight contenders Anthony Hernandez and Caio Borralho to discuss the 185-pound title picture after Khamzat Chimaev’s win. Hernandez recaps his submission victory over Roman Dolidze, previews his recently announced UFC Vancouver bout vs. Reinier de Ridder, and shares a laugh with Matt about their mutual ap…

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UFC 319 debrief, taking victory laps w/ Drakkar Klose & Loopy Godinez 48:03

1M ago48:03

48:03

Matt and Jim unpack the action of UFC 319 on an episode of UFC Unfiltered that invites two victorious fighters from the card in Drakkar Klose and Loopy Godinez. Joining first is Klose, and the lightweight calls in to discuss the keys to his unanimous decision win over a tricky veteran like Edson Barboza. Drakkar touches on the memory of his decease…

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Fear factor 57:25

1M ago57:25

57:25

Anxieties are rising in the East Bay as communities brace for the possibility of federal immigration crackdowns under President Trump. With guest co-host Trishala Vinnakota, we unpack California’s upcoming effort to redraw its congressional maps, Alameda County’s scramble to expand immigrant services, Trump’s threat to deploy the National Guard in …

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Inside Ukraine's Drone War and the Defense Tech Bubble | Patrick Blumenthal 1:23:25

1M ago1:23:25

1:23:25

Defense tech insider Patrick Blumenthal breaks down the latest developments in Ukraine's drone warfare evolution and the Vector vs. RedCat lawsuit shaking up the industry. From Russia's new evasion modules and radar warning receivers on Shaheds to the reality of SMR hype in defense tech, Patrick delivers unfiltered analysis on what's actually worki…

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Guest co-host Forrest Griffin talks UFC 319 w/ Geoff Neal & Chase Hooper 54:53

1M ago54:53

54:53

There is no replacing Matt Serra. But when the champ can’t make the show, it’s never a bad idea to get another champ to fill in — and that’s exactly what today’s Unfiltered episode delivers with Forrest Griffin talking UFC 319 w/ guest callers Geoff Neal and Chase Hooper. First up, 11th-ranked welterweight Geoff Neal reflects on his inspiring journ…

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Dricus Du Plessis talks Chimaev matchup, Elijah Smith discusses viral slam KO, UFC 319 picks! 1:00:35

2M ago1:00:35

1:00:35

On today’s episode of UFC Unfiltered, we break down the massive Paramount + TKO deal — a jaw-dropping 7-year, $7.7 BILLION U.S. rights agreement starting in 2026. First, Jim and Matt catch up with middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis — gearing up for his fourth straight title fight and third defense. Dricus weighs in on Saturday’s epic UFC 319 t…

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You chill, we grill 'em 53:45

1M ago53:45

53:45

Former San Leandro Councilmember Lee Thomas of GrilleeQ joins the show this week—not to grill meat—but to help Steve Tavares and Dan Mendoza grill politicians. On the agenda: The potential costs of the lawsuit filed by San Leandro’s former city manager; a local angle to the suddenly wide-open gubernatorial race; plus much more.…

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Innovating with Plastic Parts w/ Joe Paonessa :: Ep 253 The Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast 59:29

2M ago59:29

59:29

Podcast Episode Title: “Innovating with Plastic Parts w/ Joe Paonessa” Show Description with Highlights: In this episode of The Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast, host Jim sits down with Joe Paonessa, owner of Edgecroft, to explore the fascinating world of plastics manufacturing and entrepreneurship. Joe shares his journey from Canada to Ten…

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Andre Fili, Roman Dolidze, UFC Fight Night: Dolidze vs. Hernandez picks 52:11

2M ago52:11

52:11

With a fight card to look forward to, Jim and Matt invite a pair of all-action veterans on to the show in Andre Fili and Roman Dolidze. A longtime friend of the show, Andre Fili returns to UFC Unfiltered for the first time as a father in one of his most thoughtful interviews yet. He talks about the life changes since welcoming his son Valor, how fa…

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Austin Bashi talks first UFC win, Jimmy Drago on overcoming obstacles ahead of DWCS shot 53:26

2M ago53:26

53:26

Today’s episode of UFC Unfiltered delivers a powerful mix of rising talent and personal triumph as Jim and Matt welcome UFC featherweight prospect Austin Bashi and DWCS hopeful Jimmy Drago. First up is Bashi, fresh off his first UFC victory — a slick first-round submission over John Yannis. He reflects on bouncing back from his debut loss, chasing …

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There's a new girl in town 1:06:26

2M ago1:06:26

1:06:26

Guest co-host Trishala Vinnakota, the campaign consultant for both of Loren Taylor’s runs for Oakland mayor provides some behind-the-scenes insights and stories from last spring’s special mayoral election in Oakland, including a few “Oh, sh-t!” moments when it appeared that Taylor could actually upset Barbara Lee. Plus, takes on Lee’s first two mon…

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Russia’s Next Move: Middle East, Arms, and Influence | Matt Tavares & Anna Borshchevskaya 1:22:09

2M ago1:22:09

1:22:09

Russia’s ambitions extend far beyond Ukraine. In this episode, we’re joined by two experts with deep regional and strategic insight: former Army intelligence officer Matt Tavares, and Anna Borshchevskaya, Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute and author of Putin’s War in Syria.We unpack how Russia uses frozen conflicts as long-term leverage, wh…

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Sax, Stages, and Stories w/ Steve Nieves :: Ep 252 The Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast 1:02:48

2M ago1:02:48

1:02:48

Podcast Episode Title: "Sax, Stages, and Stories w/ Steve Nieves" Show Description: Join host Jim as he sits down with saxophonist Steve Nieves, exploring his remarkable musical career spanning decades. Discover how Steve transitioned from local bands to touring with legendary artists like Jimmy Messina, navigating the music industry with dedicatio…

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Neil Magny & Elizeu Zaleski discuss welterweight crossroads bout w/ guest co-host RJ Clifford 41:37

2M ago41:37

41:37

RJ Clifford jumps in as a guest co-host for one of those rare UFC Unfiltered episodes where we talk to a pair of fighters days away from fighting each other. Neil Magny drops in to reflect on his 35th UFC bout and what it means to fight another seasoned vet. Then later, Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos makes his Unfiltered debut with the help of a transla…

1
Matt-stradamus strikes again w/ PERFECT Abu Dhabi picks! Davey Grant & Andrew Tackett join the show 52:06

2M ago52:06

52:06

Jim and Matt kick off the show recapping Saturday’s UFC card in Abu Dhabi, where “Matt-stradamus” Serra stays red hot with another perfect night of picks. They react to Reinier de Ridder’s razor-close win over Robert Whittaker, Petr Yan’s bounce-back performance, and Steven Nguyen’s record-setting knockdown spree before welcoming back Davey Grant t…

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Reinventing Radar: Building the Future of ISR from Space | Andrew Peterson 1:27:43

2M ago1:27:43

1:27:43

Andrew Peterson is the co-founder and CEO of Array Labs, a startup building 3D imaging radar satellites to compete with billion-dollar airborne ISR platforms at a fraction of the cost. In this episode, Andrew breaks down why government customers don’t just want imagery—they want hardware—and how selling into the defense ecosystem really works.We di…

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Feeding Hope w/ Frank and Sasa Georgalos :: Ep 251 The Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast 1:19:44

2M ago1:19:44

1:19:44

Podcast Episode Title: "Feeding Hope w/ Frank and Sasa Georgalos" Show Description: Join host Jim as he sits down with Frank and Sasa Georgalos, owners of Grecian Family Restaurant and Bakery in Spring Hill, Tennessee. Discover how this Greek-American couple has become a beloved community cornerstone through their authentic cuisine, incredible Than…

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Mateusz Gamrot, Jared Cannonier, Abu Dhabi fight picks! 1:00:04

2M ago1:00:04

1:00:04

It’s a loaded Wednesday on UFC Unfiltered as Jim and Matt welcome two top-10 UFC contenders and gear up for Saturday’s UFC Fight Night card in Abu Dhabi! First, 7th-ranked lightweight Mateusz Gamrot joins the show just two months after his dominant win over Ludovit Klein. The American Top Team standout reflects on teammate Dustin Poirier’s recent r…

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Coach Mike Brown on Poirier’s farewell, Alan Jouban puts a bow on UFC 318 w/ Jim & Matt 58:26

2M ago58:26

58:26

An event as wholesome as Dustin Poirier’s farewell fight deserves a show just as impactful — so Jim and Matt bring in two people who know “The Diamond” better than most to help unpack all the emotion and action of UFC 318. First, American Top Team head coach Mike Brown shares what it was like cornering Dustin for the final time, reflecting on their…

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Fundraising, Focus, and Failure: Hard Truths About Defense Startups | Kirsten Bartok Touw 1:22:12

2M ago1:22:12

1:22:12

Kirsten Bartok Touw is the co-founder and Managing Partner of New Vista Capital, a venture firm focused exclusively on aerospace, space, and defense. In this episode, Kirsten joins to talk about investing in dual-use tech, startup momentum, and how capital is becoming a competitive moat in defense. We discuss what founders get wrong about working w…

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Bass, Business, and Beyond w/ Luis Espaillat :: Ep 250 The Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast 1:32:38

2M ago1:32:38

1:32:38

Show Description: In this episode of the Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast, host Jim sits down with professional bass player Luis Espaillat for an engaging conversation about music, technology, and the evolving landscape of the music industry. Luis shares insights into his musical journey, the challenges of being a session musician in Nashvi…

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Michael Johnson, Jimmy Crute, UFC 318 picks 45:52

2M ago45:52

45:52

Jim and Matt are back on UFC Unfiltered with veteran guests Michael Johnson and Jimmy Crute ahead of UFC 318. Michael discusses his resurgence at 39, including a new mindset, stem cell treatments in Cancun, and how he’s embracing the gatekeeper role while aiming for one last title push. Matt, fresh off his own stem cell therapy, is especially curio…

1
NBA player Pete Nance, Tuco Tokkos, UFC Nashville recap 57:06

2M ago57:06

57:06

On today’s episode of UFC Unfiltered, Jim and Matt are joined by NBA forward Pete Nance and UK-born light heavyweight Tuco Tokkos. Maximizing his Summer League experience in Las Vegas, Nance calls in from the UFC P.I. to discuss his family’s NBA lineage and how attending a UFC event in Newark accelerated his growing fascination with the sport. Betw…

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Building Unmanned Warships for the Navy | Austin Gray, Blue Water Autonomy 1:10:23

2M ago1:10:23

1:10:23

Austin Gray, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Blue Water Autonomy, joins the podcast to break down the future of autonomous naval warfare. From unmanned ships that carry large payloads to the technical and political challenges of defense procurement, Austin offers an insider’s view of building in one of the most complex arenas in defense te…

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A Journey of Authenticity w/ Darryll Stinson :: Ep 249 The Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast 1:09:49

3M ago1:09:49

1:09:49

Podcast Episode Title: "A Journey of Authenticity w/ Darryll Stinson" Show Description: In this powerful episode of the Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast, host sits down with Darryll Stinson, a transformative speaker who overcame significant personal challenges to become a leading voice in communication and leadership. Highlights include: Da…

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Chris Curtis, Steve Garcia, UFC Nashville picks 44:13

3M ago44:13

44:13

On today’s episode of UFC Unfiltered, Jim Norton and Matt Serra welcome back veteran middleweight-turned-welterweight Chris “Action Man” Curtis for his sixth appearance on the show. Energized by no longer having to concede size disadvantages to larger opponents like Roman Kopylov, the 37-year-old Curtis explains why now was the right time to return…

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Ep. #900: Alexandre Pantoja discusses title reign, Chepe Mariscal talks 8-fight win streak & Vegas move 56:02

3M ago56:02

56:02

Jim and Matt celebrate 900 episodes of UFC Unfiltered with flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja and surging featherweight Chepe Mariscal. Having perfectly predicted Pantoja’s third-round rear-naked choke, Matt heaps praise on the champ — who reflects on his growth at American Top Team as the guys discuss what Joshua Van brings to the table as his n…

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Autonomous Boats and the Future of Naval Warfare | Paul Lwin, HavocAI 1:08:13

3M ago1:08:13

1:08:13

Paul Lwin is the co-founder and CEO of HavocAI, a defense startup building collaborative autonomous surface vessels. In this episode, Paul breaks down the company’s tech stack, their strategic approach to naval warfare, and how Havoc’s 14-foot robotic boats might reshape the future of the Pacific fight.We dive into dual-use applications, investor n…

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Voiceover, Music, and Mindset w/ Rob Ricotta :: Ep 248 The Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast 1:23:00

3M ago1:23:00

1:23:00

Podcast Episode Title: "Voiceover, Music, and Mindset" Show Description: Join host Jim and special guest Rob Ricotta as they dive deep into the world of entertainment, discussing the evolving landscape of music, voice acting, and creative entrepreneurship. Hear Rob's insights on navigating the music industry, the importance of adaptability, and his…