Tesseract Podcast

In this episode of the Tesseract Podcast, we sit down with Major General Edward Vaughan, Executive Director of the Joint Rapid Acquisition Cell (JRAC), to explore the critical role rapid acquisition plays in supporting warfighters at the speed of relevance.  Drawing on decades of experience in uniform and at the highest level of the Department of Defense, Maj Gen. Vaughan unpacks what it means to lead and navigate uncertainty, while building trust in moments of crisis Whether you're in logistics, acquisition, or just curious how DoD use innovation to assist our Warfigthers - this episode delivers insight, clarity, and purpose 

In this episode of the Tesseract Podcast, we sat down with Major General Jeffrey R. King, Director of Logistic for the U.S. Air Force, as he reflect on 32 years of service, this journey took him from the flight line to the pentagon, serving and leading at all sort of positions. Maj. Gen King shares his early roots as an aircraft maintenance, his passion for innovation, and why he believe logistics is the true operational level of warfare.  We unpack hard truths about the fragmentation of our innovation ecosystem, the need for data-driven decisions, and how continuous process improvement and Theory of Constraints can fuel mission readiness. He also lay out a compelling call to action to reimagine sustainment, modernize support equipement, and empower logistics professional to lead the charge in the next conflict.    

In this episode of Tesseract Podcast, we sit down with Ms. Kim Brown, Deputy Director of Logistics and Chief of staff for Logistics, Engineering, and Force Protection at Headquarters U.S. Air Force. With nearly four decades of service, Ms. Brown shares her journey from payroll clerk at Fort Bragg to shaping policy and strategy for over 200,000 logisticians across the Air Force. We dicuss her leadership philosophy, the power of innovation at every level, and how efforts like Theory of Constraints and organic capabilities like Torque are helping drive logistics modernization. Ms. Brown also reflects on the importance of giving Airmen a voice, building relationship, and staying grounded in the mission.  Whether you're on the flightline or in the Pentagon, this conversation is a reminder that every Airman matters - and leadership starts with being worthy of responsibility   FYI: Host Chloe signs off with her final episode before beginning her next great adventure- motherhood!

In this episode, we sit down with CMSgt Robert Berrier, the Senior Enlisted Leader for HAF/A4 Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics, Engineering, and Force Protection. During this episode, we discussed his career journey, his current role at the Pentagon, and the key milestones that shaped his leadership. This episode explores how innovations across A4 drive a culture of change and the potential consolidation of AFSCs, along with many other critical topics impacting the force. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on the evolution of logistics, the power of innovation, and what’s next for the Air Force.

In this episode, we have the honor of speaking with Mr. Roberto Guerrero, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Operational Energy. With over three decades of experience in both military and civil service, Mr. Guerrero is at the forefront of efforts to optimize how the Air Force uses energy to power its global operations. From his beginnings inspired by his father's love for aviation to becoming a seasoned aviator and former E-3 Sentry commander, his journey is filled with unique experiences and valuable lessons. He shares insights into his role, the importance of operational energy, and the innovative strategies being implemented to enhance efficiency and reduce risks. Join us for an informative conversation with one of the leading experts in operational energy. 

We’re back after a short seasonal break, and we are kicking things off with an exciting conversation! This episode features host Master Sergeant Dakota Belcher, AFWERX Western Region Spark Cell Coordinator, and Tesseract LNO, sitting down with Maintenance Commander Major Sean Freitag. We talk about Major Freitag’s background, and his passion for innovation in the Air Force, and dive into the health of the force metrics—what it means, why it matters, and how we can all play a role in ensuring readiness and sustainability. From leadership lessons to practical insights, this episode is packed with real-world takeaways and fresh perspectives. Thanks for tuning in—we hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed the conversation!

Join us as we chat with Master Sergeant Michael Moore from Honolulu, Hawaii. Michael recounts his path from joining the Air Force in 2010 as a Security Forces member to becoming the Commandant at the Pitsenbarger Airman Leadership School in Spangdahlem, Germany. Michael shares stories from his career across bases like Osan, Kadena, and Spangdahlem, focusing on his efforts to drive innovation through simple yet effective process improvements. He emphasizes that innovation isn't just about technology but also about making everyday tasks more efficiently. We explore the unique Heritage Hall at Pitsenbarger, filled with historical memorabilia, and hear about students' reactions to seeing their legacy. Michael discusses his current projects to enhance leadership training and integrate new tech in the schoolhouse. Tune in for a conversation that highlights the importance of honoring our past while pushing for a better future in the Air Force.

Our host Nate had an insightful chat with Chris Anderson, the European Spark Sale Coordinator. Here are the highlights: Chris shared his journey from aircraft maintenance to innovation leader. He discussed the challenges and successes in continuous process improvement (CPI). We learned about his impactful projects, like the bone conduction initiative. Chris’s story is a true eye-opening episode of dedication and hard lessons faced by innovators. Catch the full conversation to get inspired! #TesseractLNO #Innovation #AirForce #ChrisAnderson #FiresideChat #CPI

Join us for another episode of the LNO Fireside Chat, featuring Lt Col Kevin Walton from the 52nd Maintenance Squadron. Stationed in the scenic Eifel region of Germany, Kevin discusses his role as a leader and his efforts to enhance the capabilities of the Air Force while improving the quality of life and effectiveness of our airmen. From his early days working on F-16s to leading strategic innovations at Air Mobility Command, Col Walton's journey highlights the critical impact of embracing change and fostering a culture where every airman's voice can lead to transformative improvements. This episode showcases the importance of innovation in today's unprecedented times.

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Tesseract Podcast, where host Dan learns the story of Tyler Jones, an airman who championed innovation against all odds. Faced with the 'frozen middle,' Tyler's relentless pursuit to implement significant policy changes exemplifies the spirit of determination. Discover how his collaboration with the Tesseract team finally brought his visionary policy change to fruition, marking a significant milestone in fostering a culture of innovation within the Air Force. This episode is a tribute to the airmen who dare to challenge the status quo and the transformative power of persistence and teamwork.

In this episode of the Tesseract Podcast, Dan interviewed Mr. Dean Blake, technical director of the Headquarters Air Force A4L Directorate of Logistics. Mr. Blake brings a wealth of knowledge to the table with a 21-year career as an aircraft maintenance officer and significant experience in logistics information technology. He shared insights into his journey through the Air Force, emphasizing the crucial role of innovation and technology in enhancing Air Force logistics and readiness in the face of great power competition. Mr. Blake talked about the strategic importance of data-driven decision-making and the pivotal shift from focusing solely on efficiency to achieving effectiveness in logistics operations. Highlighting his work with the Basic Logistics Analytic Data Environment (BLADE) and the challenges of transitioning innovative pilot projects into sustained enterprise solutions, he offers a glimpse into the future of logistics IT in the Air Force. The conversation also touches on the power of airmen-driven innovation, the potential of modern software tools, and the importance of embracing a culture of continuous improvement. Mr. Blake's passion for fostering innovation and leveraging the tech-savviness of Air Force personnel across all ranks and roles shines through, making it clear that the path to maintaining agility and readiness in a rapidly evolving security environment lies in the hands of its most valuable asset: its airmen. #TesseractPodcast #AirForceInnovation #MilitaryLogistics #AirmenDriven #DataAnalytics #BLADE #TechInDefense #Adaptability #StrategicReadiness #FutureOfLogistics #EmpowermentInUniform

In this episode of the Tesseract Podcast, Retired General Larry Spencer shares his journey from a young man, uncertain about an Air Force career, to becoming the vice chief of staff of the United States Air Force. His story begins in Washington D.C., where a chance encounter with an Air Force recruiter dramatically changed the trajectory of his life. Spencer recounts how he transitioned from playing football to joining the Air Force, fueled by a recruiter's promise of a future that combined his passion for sports with military service. His candid reflection on the lack of mentors during his early years, his initial confusion about his career path, and his eventual decision to enlist paint a picture of a young man searching for a purpose.

Join us on the latest LNO Fireside Chat as we dive into the world of innovation with our special guest, Matthew D Connelly! In this episode, we cover everything from the importance of clear and respectful communication to overcoming technical hiccups. Matthew, a part-time innovator in PACAF and a full-time munitions specialist, shares insights from his rich experience in innovation and continuous process improvement. Hear about Matthew's unconventional career journey, from a rocky start in the Air Force to becoming a thought leader in innovation, and the challenges and triumphs of bringing big ideas to life within the military framework. From Osan Air Base to leading Spark Tank competitions, Matthew's story is a testament to the power of persistence, creativity, and the drive to make a difference. Tune in to learn, be inspired, and get a behind-the-scenes look at innovation within the Air Force. Whether you're interested in personal growth, professional development, or the mechanics of making big ideas happen, this episode is packed with insights, challenges, and the unyielding spirit of innovation. Don't miss this journey through the highs and lows of transforming vision into reality, right here on the LNO Fireside Chat!

In the recent LNO fireside chat hosted by Amanda and Jackson, the discussion centered on the innovative strategies and challenges faced by the military in adapting to the changing strategic landscape. Mary Lou Moore, from the AFMC CDX office, shared insights into her work, emphasizing a human-centered approach to implementing change. During this episode, she highlighted the importance of continuous improvement and innovation through training in methodologies like green belts and black belts, agile design thinking, and the Spark Tank campaign. The conversation goes deep into the Air Force's need for adaptation to remain competitive and capable in the current strategic environment. She stressed the significance of focusing on people, understanding resistance to change, and fostering cross-collaboration to achieve success. Amanda and Jackson dive into tools like Microsoft Office apps and platforms for sharing innovations as critical resources for facilitating this change. This episode isn't just a discussion; it's a call to action for airmen and guardians alike to explore, engage, and excel in their roles, armed with the knowledge and support to make a difference. Mary's message is clear: Change may be hard, but with the right approach and a focus on people, the sky's the limit.

In this fresh installment of our Fireside Chat series, we sit down with MSgt Heikell Perez, Supply troop from Biddle Air National Guard Base, who brings a unique perspective to the innovation ecosystem. Hosted by Nate, this episode dives into MSgt Perez's journey, capturing his innate drive to push boundaries, innovate, and streamline processes. With a career marked by a relentless pursuit of improvement, he shares how his "spark" to innovate has ignited significant changes. Listen in as MSgt Perez discusses the challenges and triumphs of integrating innovation into military operations, providing valuable insights and inspiration for others looking to make a difference through innovation. This conversation is not just about the successes but the mindset and motivation behind transforming everyday tasks into opportunities for progress.

Welcome to the new season of the Tesseract Podcast. This year, we're thrilled to introduce our new hosts, Chloe and Dan. To kick off this exciting new season, Chloe sits down with two remarkable guests: MSgt Benjamin Johnis and Retired MSgt Bon Strout, both SERE specialists in the US Air Force. Join us for an inspiring journey as MSgt Johnis shares his story, from his work as a Ph.D. graduate student at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) to his groundbreaking contributions at the Goddard Space Flight Center. From writing papers to presenting revolutionary ideas for lunar space equipment, MSgt Johnis and Mr. Bon discuss the power of innovation, Spark cells, SBIR, and their contributions shaping the future of space exploration. Together, Chloe and MSgt Johnis explore the importance of setting oneself up for success and the transformative impact of looking deep within to achieve one's goals. Gain insights into overcoming challenges and pushing boundaries. Join us and get inspired to innovate in Season 3 of the Tesseract Podcast. Get ready as we unlock the power of innovation together! For mentorship or questions please reach out via Linkedin to : https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-johnis/ If you want to learn more about Lunar Search Equipment: https://1drv.ms/f/s!Aj0GKtgK3-8pl8EoA40pi_puC5kdOg?e=KpH98J

During this episode of the LNO Fireside Chat, we spoke with Dakota Belcher and Joshua Nash, distinguished innovators and driving forces behind the AFWERX programs and PACAF SPARK cells, respectively. Through their perspectives, we explored the transformative impact of Tesseract on their initiatives, shedding light on the ways it has supported and refined their innovative efforts. Throughout our discussion, Dakota and Joshua shared their insights into the challenges they have faced, the milestones they have achieved, and the goals they have set for the future within the innovation ecosystem. Join us as we uncover the behind-the-scenes challenges and aspirations driving the evolution of military innovation, pushing the boundaries!

This is the last fireside chat episode of the seven Aether Sprint semi-finalists! Project R2JP (Rays to Jet Power) introduces a decentralized, green, and sustainable energy source! This system is not only environmentally friendly but also operationally efficient, offering significant savings in fuel consumption and logistics. By replacing traditional generators, R2JP halves pallet requirements and can fully pay for itself in less than five months. Additionally, the system is easy to deploy, requiring minimal manpower and maintenance. Our host Nathan has a deep conversation with Raymond Hill and Jet Nesle on about the effectiveness of Rays to Jet Power in various trials by the USAF, showing potential to entirely eliminate fuel use in moderate climates and achieve significant reductions in extreme temperatures. These intelligent systems can self-diagnose, providing warnings to Airmen, and are designed to be corrosion and EMP resistant. The system's flexibility allows it to be prepositioned for extended periods with minimal power loss, further enhancing its practicality for sustained operations. R2JP has proven its utility in diverse applications, from powering medical tents and water purification systems to supporting mission control towers, thereby showcasing its potential as a transformative solution in military operations!

In this gripping Fireside Chat, Ryan Amador kicks things off by sharing the origin of their idea and the trials encountered when building the initial prototype of his team project. From bureaucratic roadblocks to the intricate web of vendor interactions, they reveal the untold story behind their relentless pursuit of innovation. Tune in and discover the project's ultimate mission: streamlining equipment logistics and reducing the logistical footprint. Plus, gain insight into the challenges they've faced while navigating bureaucratic channels and securing approvals for integrating cutting-edge components into nuclear-certified machinery. This Fireside Chat is a must-listen for anyone passionate about innovation, problem-solving, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Don't miss your chance to be inspired and informed by these remarkable individuals who are changing the game one innovative idea at a time.

In this episode of LNO Fireside Chat, host Amanda Dennis delves into an engaging conversation with the innovative minds behind CLAWS - the Compact Loading Adapter Winch System designed for C-130 aircraft. Joshua Rogers, Taylor Mogford, and their team, currently semi-finalists in the Aether Sprint competition, share insights into their groundbreaking project aimed at enhancing loading efficiency and operational safety for the Air Force. They explore the challenges of streamlining the loading process, the journey of their project towards Air Force-wide scalability, and the critical role of storytelling, mentorship, and innovation in driving team engagement and project adoption. Discover how CLAWS is set to transform aircraft loading practices, promising significant time savings and operational improvements, and learn about the team's vision for the future of Air Force loading operations.